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Publications Digest

09
Apr 2025

Health Economic Publication Digest: Development of an instrument (Cost-IS) to estimate costs of implementation strategies for digital health solutions: a modified e-Delphi study

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, Donovan et al. introduced Cost-IS, a novel tool designed to support the economic evaluation of implementation strategies for digital health solutions. Its development followed a structured, multi-phase approach involving a literature review, expert interviews, and a modified e-Delphi process. A panel of 12 multidisciplinary experts reached a consensus on the instrument’s core design, though additional piloting is required to evaluate its real-world feasibility and generalizability.
08
Apr 2025

Publication Digest: Food for thought: more explicit guidance for inclusion of caregiver perspectives in health technology assessment

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, Bourke et al. proposed a novel conceptual framework to support Health Technology Assessment (HTA) processes in reflecting the real-world burden on caregivers. Addressing the current gap in HTA practices caused by limited methodological guidance, the authors offer a structured approach to capture caregiving intensity and duration. Their recommendations aim to assist policymakers, researchers, and manufacturers in aligning HTA submissions with a broader societal perspective.
07
Apr 2025

EU HTA Publication Digest: The EU Health Technology Assessment Regulation Halo Effect: Are Cross-Functional Teams Ready?

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its EU HTA Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Tanner et al. examined key cross-functional challenges stemming from Joint Scientific Consultations (JSC) and Joint Clinical Assessments (JCA) and how manufacturers should address them in their EU HTAR readiness plans. Conducted through literature review, guidance analysis, and manufacturer insights, the study identified five key cross-functional areas: global asset strategy, non-EU regional readiness, launch sequence evolution, brand perception, and pricing impacts. Given the central role of market access in bringing innovation to patients, the EU HTAR will have far-reaching implications, with early Joint Clinical Assessment reports expected to significantly influence brand strategy, pricing dynamics, and global launch sequencing.
03
Apr 2025

Sustainability Publication Digest: Environmental sustainability in dermatological surgery. Part 1: reducing carbon intensity

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, Ali et al. explored practical strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of dermatological surgery in the UK, aligning with the National Health Service's commitment to sustainability. The review outlined systemic measures such as sourcing from local suppliers to cut transport-related emissions, implementing streamlined care pathways, and promoting responsible prescribing. It also emphasized the integration of environmental principles into surgical education and the optimization of resource use for consumables, equipment, and energy.
02
Apr 2025

Health Economic Publication Digest: Economic evaluations of medical devices in pediatrics: a systematic review and a quality appraisal of the literature

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, Mascarenhas et al. analyzed the landscape of economic evaluations for medical devices in pediatrics, critically appraising their methodological rigor. The systematic literature review identified 39 economic evaluations, with a focus on high-risk therapeutic devices mostly studied in high-income countries. The analysis showed a predominant use of cost-utility analysis and considerable variation in adherence to CHEERS 2022 reporting standards. The findings highlight the need to improve reporting quality and develop methods that reflect the unique health needs of children, including outcome measures meaningful to pediatric patients and their families.
01
Apr 2025

Publication Digest: Methodological expectations for demonstration of health product effectiveness by observational studies

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, Cucherat et al. proposed formalized methodological criteria for observational studies to serve as credible evidence for health product effectiveness, comparable to randomized controlled trials. Developed through a French expert roundtable, the framework emphasizes predefined protocols and statistical analysis plans, robust causal inference, and minimization of bias. The results offer a structured approach to support regulatory decisions and guideline development.
31
Mar 2025

EU HTA Publication Digest: What is needed to successfully implement the EU HTA Regulation enabling broad patient access in Europe

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its EU HTA Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Lipska et al. explored the policy challenges surrounding the implementation of the EU HTA Regulation, drawing from the discussions of a high-level expert group convened in Rome. The authors proposed actionable recommendations to facilitate the effective launch of the Joint Clinical Assessment framework. Their key insights stress the need for transparent communication, stakeholder engagement, and equitable commitment from all member states to reduce access delays across Europe.
27
Mar 2025

Sustainability Publication Digest: How to choose between single-use and reusable medical materials for sustainable nursing: Methodological lessons learned from a national study

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, Vanderwee et al. introduced a pragmatic decision-making approach for healthcare facilities with tools to select environmentally sustainable alternatives to replace single-use options. A cross-sectional multi-center survey in Belgian hospitals was performed, followed by an exploratory analysis of the sustainability of commonly used healthcare materials. The authors developed a structured assessment method, combining real-world procurement data and literature-based evaluations to inform sustainable, safe, and cost-effective material choices.
26
Mar 2025

Health Economic Publication Digest: Economic Considerations of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices for The Treatment of Heart Failure

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, Elsner et al. conducted a literature review to evaluate the economic value of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices for heart failure treatment, with a focus on the European context over the past 10 years. The review assessed the economic implications of various device therapies, including cardiac resynchronization therapy with a pacemaker (CRT-P), CRT with a defibrillator (CRT-D), implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), pacemakers, and (semi)automated telemonitoring, using QALYs and ICERs as standardized measures of cost-effectiveness. All cardiovascular implantable electronic devices were found to fall within commonly accepted cost-effectiveness thresholds.
25
Mar 2025

Publication Digest: Comparison of health technology assessments for digital therapeutics in Germany, the United Kingdom and France

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, Arcà et al. conducted a comparative analysis of national HTA frameworks for digital therapeutics (DTx) assessed in Germany, the UK, and France. By analyzing cross-country HTAs for two digital therapeutic products, the study revealed substantial differences in assessment criteria and evidence requirements. Despite the divergence, there was a shared emphasis on product positioning within the clinical pathway, the appropriateness of chosen comparators, and considerations of usability. Safety received limited attention, but a request is often made for the addition and evaluation of risk-flagging systems.
24
Mar 2025

EU HTA Publication Digest: Technology Assessment vs. Technology Appraisal-How to Strengthen the Science/Value Dichotomy with EU HTA?

MTRC shares the most relevant and impactful publications in the field of market access and HEOR for medical technologies in Europe through its EU HTA Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Gsteiger et al. explored the conceptual divergence between “technology assessment” and “technology appraisal” in the context of the new EU HTA Regulation. The authors advocated for a clearer distinction between scientific evaluation and value judgments to ensure effective implementation and avoid ambiguity. The study emphasized the importance of transitioning from centralized assessments to national-level appraisal processes that reflect local value judgments and uncertainties.
20
Mar 2025

Sustainability Publication Digest: Estimating the Carbon Footprint of Healthcare in the Canton of Geneva and Reduction Scenarios for 2030 and 2040

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, Mermillod et al. estimated the carbon footprint of the Geneva healthcare system. The study identifies key emission contributors, highlighting medicines and medical devices as the dominant global emission sources (59%). When excluding these, hospitals emerge as the primary source of emissions (48%), followed by nursing homes and private practices. The authors outlined direct and systemic strategies for reduction, including optimizing prescription practices, energy use, and transportation. The findings provide a foundation for policymakers to implement ambitious carbon reduction policies in healthcare.