Medical Device Procurement: Unravelling the Role of Health Technology Assessment

By Staff Writer

November 13, 2023

The Current State of Health Technology Assessment

Health technology assessment (HTA) in medical device procurement has been instrumental in determining the value of medical devices. However, the unique characteristics of these devices, including frequent iterations and user learning curves, make generalising outcomes challenging. Furthermore, the diverse needs of stakeholders often result in varying views on a technology’s value. Despite the wealth of information available on HTA, a knowledge gap exists regarding its use by non-payer, non-HTA stakeholders in their assessment of medical devices.

Addressing the Gap: The ISPOR Special Interest Group Study

In an attempt to bridge this gap, the ISPOR Medical Devices and Diagnostics Special Interest Group conducted a systematic literature review. These studies were geographically diverse, originating from various locations globally. Two studies each were conducted in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Other studies were based in Italy, Australia, and South Africa. This review aimed to summarise the current evidence base for the criteria used in medical device procurement.A key finding across all studies was the utilisation of decision-making criteria that are generally considered standard elements of HTA. The most common criteria included cost (reported in 100% of the studies), safety (91%), efficacy (82%), cost-effectiveness (64%), and budget impact (36%). The results, however, showed sparse evidence regarding HTA’s use in device purchasing, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions about HTA’s impact on procurement.

Health Technology Assessment in Medical Device Procurement

The use and impact of HTA on treatment decisions vary widely across different geographies, further complicating the process. However, a growing trend towards “mini” or hospital-level HTA, which directly informs procurement decisions, has been observed. Most hospital-level HTA studies reviewed continue to depend on national-level HTA. They also use published systematic reviews to shape their conclusions.

The ISPOR Special Interest Group anticipates that HTA has more impact than their findings suggest, possibly due to a lack of publication incentive among procurement bodies. We need to deepen our research to comprehend the relationship between HTA and procurement better. Encouraging broader, more systemic evidence-based decision making also requires our attention. 

 

Reference url

Recent Posts

modifiable risk factors
        

Targeting Shared Risk Pathways to Prevent Stroke, Dementia, and Depression

🧠 What if addressing just a few key lifestyle factors could significantly reduce the risk of stroke, dementia, and depression in older adults?

A recent systematic review has identified 17 **modifiable risk factors**, revealing the interconnected nature of these age-related brain diseases and offering crucial insights for preventive strategies. By focusing on aspects such as blood pressure management, nutrition, and physical activity, we can enhance quality of life for our aging population.

Dive into the article to explore how these findings could shape future healthcare models.

#SyenzaNews #HealthEconomics #HealthcareInnovation #DigitalTransformation

drug price regulation
      

Navigating Drug Price Regulation: Evaluating the Executive Order’s Potential Impacts and Challenges

💊 Curious about the future of drug pricing in the U.S.?

The recent executive order aims to tackle escalating prescription drug costs through measures like international reference pricing and enhanced transparency. However, the implications of these policies could be more complex than anticipated, with potential risks to market access and innovation.

Dive into the article for a detailed analysis of how these regulations could shape the pharmaceutical landscape and what it means for healthcare access in the U.S.

#SyenzaNews #pharmaceuticals #healthcarepolicy

AI Patient Education
       

AI Patient Education: Evaluating ChatGPT and Gemini for Pediatric Condition Materials

🤔 Are AI solutions ready to revolutionize pediatric patient education?

A recent study compared ChatGPT and Gemini in generating educational materials for common pediatric conditions, revealing intriguing insights into content depth, readability, and reliability. While both tools have their merits, there’s significant room for improvement in making AI-generated content accessible and effective for all families.

Curious to learn more about the implications for health literacy and the future of AI in healthcare? Click to read the full article!

#SyenzaNews #AIinHealthcare #HealthTech #DigitalTransformation

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.