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 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.

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.

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.

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.

In late January 2025, the Nordic Initiative for Environmental Labelling of Medical Supplies (NIELS) project was completed. The initiative was aimed to promote greener procurement of medical equipment by expanding the use of eco-labeling. Following its successful conclusion, the project is now considering opportunities to broaden the dialogue to a European level.