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.

In February 2025, seven health apps reached Level 3+ of the mHealthBelgium validation pyramid, meaning regular reimbursement. These apps can only be reimbursed within the specific care pathway “Remote monitoring and therapeutic guidance in chronic heart failure”.

On February 7, 2025, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published a manual for a new HealthTech program and launched a consultation. The HealthTech program will produce two types of guidance: Interventional Procedures guidance and HealthTech guidance (replacing former Medical Technologies guidance and Diagnostics guidance). The deadline for comments submission is March 6, 2025.

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.

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.

In February 2025, the Decision Forum for the "New Methods" framework made a favorable coverage decision for transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (gammaCore) in the treatment of cluster headaches.

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.

On January 30, 2025, the Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System (InEK) published the list of requests for innovation funding (NUB) submitted by hospitals in 2024. The medical technologies of cardiovascular, endoscopy, extracorporeal, gastrointestinal, neuromodulation, peripheral vascular, and other technology groups obtained positive status 1.

MTRC developed a White Paper exploring how value dossiers support payer negotiations, evidence synthesis, and strategic value communication in the MedTech sector. In this White Paper, we outline best practices for structuring value dossiers, tailoring messaging for different stakeholders, and leveraging them as a central evidence repository.

On January 24, 2025, the European Commission adopted an implementing regulation establishing the rules for joint scientific consultations on medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices under the EU HTAR framework.

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.

On January 30, 2025, NHS England published a proposed 2025/26 NHS Payment Scheme (NHSPS) and launched a consultation. The scheme will be set for one financial year (starting on April 1, 2025). No significant changes were made to the general payment model. The changes include the introduction of tariffs for activities from Community Diagnostic Centres and a new Best Practice Tariff to incentivize shifting suitable procedures from day case or elective settings to outpatient settings. The deadline for comments submission is February 28, 2025.