Skip to main content

Publications Digest

18
Feb 2025

Health Economic Publication Digest: Early Economic Modeling to Inform a Target Product Profile: A Case Study of a Novel Rapid Test for Clostridioides difficile Infection

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its Health Economic Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Cocco et al. applied early economic modeling to establish target product profile specifications based on cost-effectiveness considerations, helping developers define key test performance criteria. The authors used the example of a novel rapid diagnostic for Clostridioides difficile infection in the UK setting. The study underscores how well-defined target product profiles can guide diagnostic test development to address pressing clinical needs.
17
Feb 2025

Publication Digest: Large simple randomized controlled trials-from drugs to medical devices: lessons from recent experience

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Buccheri et al. explored the challenges of conducting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for high-risk medical devices, emphasizing the added complexities of intervention costs, patient randomization, and blinding processes. Drawing on experience from the CORE-MD project and large-scale pharmaceutical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors highlighted the potential of large simple RCTs for high-risk medical devices. These trials leverage routine healthcare data to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate patient recruitment while maintaining robust clinical evidence.
13
Feb 2025

Value-Based Procurement Publication Digest: Medical Devices in the Region of Tuscany, Italy: Definitions of Innovative Devices and Potentially Innovative Devices and Their Impact on Procurement Decisions

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its Value-based Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Messori et al. analyzed an algorithm for identifying innovative, high-risk medical devices in Tuscany, Italy. Due to its limitations ‒ such as a narrow selection of qualifying devices and reliance on strict objective criteria ‒ the authors introduced a "potentially innovative" category to accommodate devices with clinical and economic value. Based on an analysis of 17 devices, this refined classification supports a structured procurement approach, with plans for regional implementation in hospitals in the coming months.
12
Feb 2025

Sustainability Publication Digest: Waste and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Produced from Ophthalmic Surgeries: A Scoping Review

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its Sustainability Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Morris et al. conducted a scoping review of data on waste and greenhouse gas emissions in ophthalmic surgery. Results of 10 studies revealed that most emissions are linked to the procurement of surgical materials, followed by travel emissions and building energy. The authors also proposed a standardized waste-lifecycle framework to organize future research to help generate robust evidence for implementing impactful waste reduction strategies in ophthalmology.
11
Feb 2025

Health Economic Publication Digest: Economic Evaluations of mHealth Interventions for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A Scoping Review

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its Health Economic Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Tornvall et al. conducted a systematic review of 12 economic evaluations of mHealth interventions for type 2 diabetes management. Most solutions ‒ featuring smartphone applications with text messaging and connected medical devices ‒ were generally deemed cost-effective or cost-saving. However, the authors highlighted moderate reporting quality, with a median CHEERS score of 59%. Methodological heterogeneity in outcome reporting further limits the overall robustness and comparability of the evidence for decision-makers.
10
Feb 2025

Publication Digest: Point-of-care additive manufacturing: state of the art and adoption in Spanish hospitals during pre to post COVID-19 era

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Valls-Esteve et al. explored the integration and evolution of 3D printing and additive manufacturing (3DP/AM) in Spanish hospitals. The authors conducted a qualitative survey and collected data in two phases before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Their findings revealed an increased adoption of well-defined in-house 3DP/AM systems for custom surgical applications, with notable progress in fields like traumatology and maxillofacial surgery. Limited human resources, financial constraints, and regulatory compliance were critical challenges in introducing 3D/AM in hospitals.
07
Feb 2025

Value-Based Procurement Publication Digest: Pricing, Procurement and Reimbursement Policies for Incentivizing Market Entry of Novel Antibiotics and Diagnostics: Learnings from 10 Countries Globally

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its Value-Based Procurement Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Vogler et al. examined global pull incentives within public health policies aimed at promoting the market entry of novel antibiotics and diagnostics. Their analysis identified a range of pricing and reimbursement initiatives and offered a review of procurement incentives ‒ including value-based procurement, pooled procurement, and subscription-based models that decouple prices from volumes.
06
Feb 2025

Health Economic Publication Digest: A review of methods for the analysis of diagnostic tests performed in sequence

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its Health Economic Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Fanshawe et al. systematically reviewed statistical methods for analyzing the performance of sequential diagnostic testing. The authors addressed five key themes: methods for combining tests, estimation of conditional dependence, repeated testing for risk assessment, adjustment for an imperfect reference standard, and meta-analysis of test sequences. This review offers methodological insights that enhance the precision and reliability of diagnostic evaluations.
04
Feb 2025

Publication Digest: Digital health applications in Germany: Explorative pilot study on the challenges of approval from the perspective of manufacturers

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Ataiy et al. surveyed 10 digital health application manufacturers to identify key barriers in Germany’s fast-track approval process. Challenges included conducting clinical trials to demonstrate clinical effects, negotiating pricing, and improving market acceptance. The authors emphasized that closer collaboration among stakeholders is essential to streamline approval processes while ensuring patient safety and accessibility.
21
Jan 2025

Publication Digest: Implementation and development of hospital-based health technology assessment in Poland from the perspective of hospital representatives: qualitative research

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Furman et al. conducted a qualitative analysis of hospital-based health technology assessment (HB-HTA) implementation in Poland to address the growing need for evidence-based evaluation of healthcare investments. The study found that while HB-HTA enhances decision-making capabilities and strengthens staff expertise, its adoption remains limited due to insufficient organizational and financial incentives.
16
Jan 2025

Publication Digest: HTA model for laboratory medicine technologies: overview of approaches adopted in some international agencies.

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its Publications Digest. In a recent publication, d'Angela et al. conducted a literature review and analyzed global HTA resources to develop a methodological framework for assessing laboratory diagnostic technologies. The study identified seven methodological articles and 23 HTA reports, including EUnetHTA rapid assessments and NICE diagnostics guidance. The findings emphasized a strong focus on organizational and economic domains, which are critical elements for shaping an upcoming survey among laboratory professionals.
14
Jan 2025

Publication Digest: Digital Health Applications (DiGAs) on a Fast Track: Insights From a Data-Driven Analysis of Prescribable Digital Therapeutics in Germany From 2020 to Mid-2024

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Goeldner et al. analyzed the evolving ecosystem of digital health applications (DiGAs) in Germany, leveraging a data-driven approach based on public sources to assess market dynamics, pricing trends, and clinical evidence. The study highlighted the challenges of achieving permanent listing, driven by the rigorous requirements to demonstrate clinical efficacy, with a consistent reliance on randomized controlled trials. The authors emphasized the need for innovative study designs and a stronger focus on patient-relevant outcomes to facilitate the integration of DiGAs into Germany’s healthcare system.