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News and blog posts

14
Mar 2025

Value-Based Procurement Publication Digest: Integrated procurement and reprocessing planning for reusable medical devices with a limited shelf life

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, Rickers et al. introduced a new optimization model for the multiproduct dynamic order quantity problem, aiming to enhance procurement decisions for reusable medical devices. The model integrates product returns and reprocessing parameters and considers the limited shelf life of sterile devices and capacity constraints in sterilization and reprocessing resources. Numerical simulations demonstrated significant cost reductions compared to conventional first-come-first-served approaches, highlighting the practical advantages of integrated procurement planning.
13
Mar 2025

Sustainability Publication Digest: A systematic review of sustainability practices in plastic 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, Iakovou et al. conducted a systematic review evaluating sustainability initiatives in plastic surgery, analyzing data on carbon emissions, waste management, and procedural costs. Based on data from 15 studies, hand surgery emerged as the leading subspecialty driving sustainability practices, complemented by notable efforts in craniofacial, skin cancer, and breast surgery. Notably, effective recycling programs redirected an average of 39.6 tonnes of waste per month, and the average carbon footprint was calculated as 22.7 kgCO2-eq per procedure.
12
Mar 2025

Health Economic Publication Digest: Estimation of the maximum potential cost saving from reducing serious adverse events in hospitalized patients

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, Larsen et al. explored potential healthcare savings in Denmark associated with the use of artificial intelligence-assisted vital signs monitoring systems. Based on the hypothesis, implementing these systems could potentially reduce the occurrence of serious adverse events in hospitalized patients. Utilizing Danish national registry data, the authors estimated economic benefits from the implementation of AI-assisted monitoring systems, highlighting significant potential savings from decreased length of hospital stay and fewer readmissions. However, the study highlighted the need for a more precise evaluation of the clinical effectiveness of AI-assisted technologies and detailed consideration of associated implementation costs.
12
Mar 2025

Operation Zero report on carbon emissions from Belgian healthcare sector

In February 2025, the Belgian National Unit for Health and Environment published a report on the Operation Zero study, which examines carbon emissions from Belgium's healthcare sector. The report comprises results of a study of country's greenhouse gas emissions, a roadmap outlining projected emission trends and proposing policy measures to reduce them, and implementation framework with concrete recommendations across several areas, such as renewable energy adoption, climate-neutral infrastructure, sustainable waste management, and greener healthcare supply chains.
11
Mar 2025

Publication Digest: Opportunities and barriers for reimbursement of digital therapeutics in Austria: Findings from expert interviews

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, Sareban et al. explored expert perspectives on establishing a reimbursement framework for digital therapeutics (DTx) in Austria. Through seven semi-structured interviews with Austrian healthcare stakeholders, the authors identified critical factors necessary for a viable national reimbursement strategy. These include user and prescriber acceptance of DTx, robust clinical evidence, data security aligned with European standards, and clear economic evaluation.
11
Mar 2025

Seven more health apps obtained reimbursement in Germany since February 2024

Between late February 2024 and early March 2025, seven more health apps were introduced in the Directory of digital health applications (DiGAs) at the Federal Office for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) and thus became reimbursable. These apps can be prescribed by physicians and psychotherapists and will be reimbursed by health insurers. In total, 59 health apps are currently available in the DiGA Directory, and ten health apps were delisted from the Directory.
10
Mar 2025

MTRC is looking for a Junior Systematic Literature Reviewer

MTRC, a Pan-European Med Tech market access consultancy, is opening a position of junior Research Fellow to contribute to our evidence synthesis projects, including systematic reviews and value dossiers, in the evolving field of medical devices. Work is purely analytical, no hands-on/clinical/lab work is involved.
10
Mar 2025

Bi-weekly snapshot of market access and HEOR project work at MTRC

Our goal at MTRC is to inform the decision-making of our clients and to support their market access activities. Below is a snapshot of our planned activities for the next two weeks. This can help our existing and prospective clients to understand the potential scope of our support better. From the week of the 10th of March, we plan to work on 21 projects. Review the complete list of planned activities in this post.
10
Mar 2025

EU HTA Publication Digest: Advancing cooperation in Health Technology Assessment in Europe: insights from the EUnetHTA 21 project amidst the evolving legal landscape of European 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, Urbina et al. analyzed the EUnetHTA 21 project, a European initiative designed to support the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2021/2282 on Health Technology Assessment (HTA). Conducted by 13 European HTA bodies, the project resulted in 20 guidance documents, 13 templates, and pilot Joint Clinical Assessments (JCAs) aimed at refining evaluation methods. The study highlights the importance of structured collaboration and regulatory preparedness, providing a roadmap for the future integration of HTA at the EU level.