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Publications Digest

04
Mar 2025

Publication Digest: A minimum dataset for destination therapy with left ventricular assist device: the evidence that matters to decision makers

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 study, Puñal-Riobóo et al. developed a standardized minimum outcome dataset for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) registries to address key evidence gaps and meet the needs of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) bodies and healthcare professionals. Building on prior HTA findings from EUnetHTA, the authors conducted a structured three-round Delphi process with an expert panel of cardiologists to assess the relevance of various outcome measures. The consensus resulted in 18 key outcomes and 47 variables across seven healthcare domains, strengthening the reliability of real-world evidence and supporting more informed clinical and policy decisions.
03
Mar 2025

EU HTA Publication Digest: Shaping a suitable EU HTA dossier template: why the German template is not fit for purpose

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, Schweitzer et al. explored the suitability of the current German HTA dossier templates for the impending EU joint clinical assessment (JCA). The study examined how extensively safety endpoint and subgroup analyses in German dossiers were actually considered by IQWiG and the G-BA. The authors found that the current German HTA templates significantly increased the workload of HTA developers while leaving many reported outcomes unconsidered by IQWiG and G-BA. To mitigate duplicative efforts and ensure prompt availability of medicinal products in line with the EU HTA Regulation framework, the authors recommend well-defined dossier requirements, early consultations, and proactive engagement with HTA developers.
28
Feb 2025

Value-Based Procurement Publication Digest: Value based healthcare and Health Technology Assessment for emerging market countries: joint efforts to overcome barriers

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, Otte et al. synthesized expert discussions on the challenges and opportunities of implementing Value-Based Healthcare and Health Technology Assessment in emerging markets.The study highlighted the importance of Real-World Evidence in biosimilar value assessment and decision-making processes. The authors proposed Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis as a tool for optimizing pharmaceutical procurement in resource-constrained settings. The findings emphasized the need for stronger interdisciplinary collaboration among stakeholders and the expansion of public-private partnerships to address healthcare access barriers and drive system-wide improvements.
27
Feb 2025

Sustainability Publication Digest: Comparative carbon footprinting study of reusable vs. disposable instruments in cataract surgery

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, McCance et al. conducted a comparative carbon footprint analysis of disposable versus reusable surgical instruments in cataract surgery in the UK. Their findings highlighted the substantial environmental impact of single-use items, which had a 27-fold higher carbon footprint than reusable alternatives, with net carbon savings achieved after 19 or more reuses. These findings emphasize the necessity of integrating sustainability strategies into surgical workflows to mitigate healthcare's environmental footprint.
26
Feb 2025

Health Economic Publication Digest: Challenges and recommendations for collecting and quantifying implementation costs in practice: a qualitative interview 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. conducted a qualitative interview study with 16 experts to investigate the gaps in capturing implementation costs within economic evaluations. The study revealed four key barriers: difficulties in defining, collecting, and valuing implementation costs; the lack of standardized methodologies; and the lack of multidisciplinary collaboration in enabling implementation costing. The authors advocated for standardized approaches to implementation cost estimation, emphasizing that improved methodologies could enhance confidence in economic assessments and better inform resource allocation.
25
Feb 2025

Publication Digest: Adoption of Digital Therapeutics 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 Publications Digest. In a recent publication, Fassbender et al. examined how digital therapeutics (DTx) are being adopted across various European countries, exploring variations in regulatory pathways, reimbursement policies, and clinical validation requirements. The study emphasized the importance of co-design, ecosystem-driven approaches, and policy harmonization to facilitate broader adoption and sustainable integration of DTx into European healthcare systems. The authors proposed a structured framework to enhance DTx accessibility and adoption across European healthcare landscapes.
24
Feb 2025

EU HTA Publication Digest: EU HTA Regulation and Joint Clinical Assessment—Threat or Opportunity?

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, Volker S. examined the 2022 EU HTA regulation and its activities, including Joint Clinical Assessment, Joint Scientific Consultations, and Horizon Scanning. While the regulation aims to harmonize clinical data assessments and reduce duplication, concerns persist about increased bureaucracy and delays in market access. The study highlighted the potential threats and opportunities for manufacturers and national affiliates, offering insights into the evolving European HTA landscape.
20
Feb 2025

Value-Based Procurement Publication Digest: Improving antibiotic prescribing - Recommendations for funding and pricing policies to enhance use of point-of-care tests

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, Vogler et al. proposed fit-for-purpose policy recommendations based on the analysis of current funding and pricing structures for point-of-care tests (POCTs) for community-acquired acute respiratory tract infections across Europe. The authors aimed to improve antibiotic prescribing for respiratory infections by enhancing the uptake of POCTs. The study suggested several funding policy and pricing-related recommendations ‒ such as physician-focused remuneration models, public reimbursement coverage, and strategic procurement approaches ‒ which can substantially boost the implementation of rapid diagnostic tools in outpatient settings.
19
Feb 2025

Sustainability Publication Digest: Perceptions of a Hospital's Anesthesia Team Members on Precycling and Recycling of Anesthetic Gases

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, Haluza et al. conducted an exploratory survey at the General Hospital in Vienna, Austria, to assess anesthesia team members’ perspectives on precycling and recycling of anesthetic gases. The study revealed a generally positive attitude toward adopting sustainable practices, suggesting a strong potential for reducing volatile anesthetic use through active staff engagement.
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.