EU HTA Publication Digest: The PICO Puzzle: Can Public Data Predict EU HTA Expectations for All EU Countries?

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, Eberle et al. explored whether the PICO elements (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) applied in EU Joint Clinical Assessments (JCAs) can be predicted across member states using publicly available data from national HTA bodies. Drawing on data from 29 countries, the authors found broad public access to HTA reports (66%), methodological guidelines (79%), dossier templates (69%), and market access lists (100%). While definitions for populations and outcomes were fairly consistent, comparator choice varied the most. The study concluded that PICO can be anticipated reliably based on public information, enabling health technology developers to plan dossiers more effectively under the EU HTA regulation.

Access the full-text article here.