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News and Blog Posts

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.
27
Feb 2025

Patient participation in the working groups dependent on the Benefits Commission in Spain

In January 2025, the General Directorate of the Common Package of Benefits of the National Health and Pharmacy System released a Resolution regarding the participation of patients in the working groups dependent on the Commission of Benefits, Insurance, and Financing (CPAF). This Resolution officially endorses patient involvement in CPAF working groups to enhance the legitimacy and inclusivity of healthcare policy decisions.
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.
26
Feb 2025

National evaluations commissioned to Swedish TLV in February 2025

In February 2025, the MTP Council announced national evaluations of two technologies within the Orderly introduction framework in Sweden. The Council commissioned the Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency (TLV) to perform a health economic evaluation of rectal spacers (SpaceOAR Hydrogel and Barrigel) used during radiotherapy in prostate cancer (re-evaluation) and AI-based solution (Stratipath Breast) for breast cancer risk assessment.
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.
25
Feb 2025

French National Authority for Health published its 2025-2030 strategy

On February 4, 2025, the French National Authority for Health (HAS) published its 2025-2030 strategic project. The document outlines current challenges and opportunities in the health system, defines three strategic priorities, and identifies three key areas in which HAS intends to increase its investment over the next five years.
24
Feb 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 24th of February, we plan to work on 15 projects. Review the complete list of planned activities in this post.
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.
24
Feb 2025

Med Tech-related health technology assessments from NIHR in January 2025

In January 2025, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in England released two Med Tech-related assessments in its HTA Journal, which concerned a clinical decision support tool for lower urinary tract symptom in men and multi-cancer early detection tests for general population screening. HTA Journal publishes research reports on the effectiveness, costs, and broader impact of health technologies for those who use, manage, and provide care in the NHS and informs NICE guidance.
21
Feb 2025

Agenda for the Board of Danish Regions meeting in February 2025

In February 2025, the Board of Danish Regions meeting was held. The key themes discussed concerned prioritizing public wellbeing and environmental sustainability, expanding cancer treatment capacity and funding, and the status of the Common Regional Procurement Strategy 2020-2025 (including “green” procurement).
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.