35 research outputs found
Taxonomy of medical devices in the logic of health technology assessment
Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively.Objectives: The suitability of general HTA methodology for medical devices is gaining interest as a topic of scientific discourse. Given the broad range of medical devices, there might be differences between groups of devices that impact both the necessity and the methods of their assessment. Our aim is to develop a taxonomy that provides researchers and policy makers with an orientation tool on how to approach the assessment of different types of medical devices. Methods: Several classifications for medical devices based on varying rationales for different regulatory and reporting purposes were analyzed in detail to develop a comprehensive taxonomic model. Results: The taxonomy is based on relevant aspects of existing classification schemes incorporating elements of risk and functionality. Its 9 × 6 matrix distinguishes between the diagnostic or therapeutic nature of devices and considers whether the medical device is directly used by patients, constitutes part of a specific procedure, or can be used for a variety of procedures. We considered the relevance of different device categories in regard to HTA to be considerably variable, ranging from high to low. Conclusions: Existing medical device classifications cannot be used for HTA as they are based on different underlying logics. The developed taxonomy combines different device classification schemes used for different purposes. It aims at providing decision makers with a tool enabling them to consider device characteristics in detail across more than one dimension. The placement of device groups in the matrix can provide decision support on the necessity of conducting a full HTA
Around the Tables: Contextual factors in health care coverage decisions across western Europe
Background: Across Western Europe, procedures and formalised criteria for taking decisions on the coverage (inclusion
in the benefits basket or equivalent) of healthcare technologies vary substantially. In the decision documents, which
display the justification of, the rationale for, these decisions, national healthcare institutes may employ ‘contextual
factors,’ defined here as situation-specific considerations. Little is known about how the use of such contextual factors
compares across countries. We describe and compare contextual factors as used in coverage decisions generally and 4
decision documents specifically in Belgium, England, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Methods: Four group interviews with 3 experts from the national healthcare institute of each country, document and
web site analysis, and a workshop with 1 to 2 of these experts per country were followed by the examination of the
documents of 4 specific decisions taken in each of the 4 countries, sampled to vary widely in type of technology and
decision outcome.
Results: From the available decision documents, we conclude that in every country studied, contextual factors are
established ‘around the table,’ ie, in deliberation. All documents examined feature contextual factors, with similar
contextual factor patterns leading to similar decisions in different countries. The Dutch decisions employ the widest
variety of factors, with the exception of the societal functioning of the patient, which is relatively common in Belgium,
England, and Germany. Half of the final decisions were taken in another setting, with the consequence that no
documentation was retrievable for 2 decisions.
Conclusion: First, we conclude that in these countries, contextual factors are actively integrated in the decision
document, and that this is achieved in deliberation. Conceptualising contextual factors as both situation-specific and
actively-integrated affords insight into practices of contextualisation and provides an encouragement for exchange
between decision-makers on more qualitative aspects of decisions. Second, the decisions that lacked a publicly acc
The discovery of Trypanosoma cruzi and Chagas disease (1908-1909): tropical medicine in Brazil
Methods for Health Economic Evaluation of Vaccines and Immunization Decision Frameworks: A Consensus Framework from a European Vaccine Economics Community
Health Technology Assessment: Mehr als die Bewertung von Kosten und Nutzen? [Editorial]
Gerhardus A, Perleth M. Health Technology Assessment: Mehr als die Bewertung von Kosten und Nutzen? [Editorial]. Z. Evid. Fortbild. Qual. Gesundh. wesen. 2008;102(2):61-62
Nutzenbewertung des Neugeborenenscreenings auf Cystische Fibrose (Mukoviszidose) - ein systematischer Review
Einheitsgericht oder à la carte? Die umfassende Bewertung gesundheitlicher Technologien
Perleth M, Gerhardus A, Velasco-Garrido M. Einheitsgericht oder à la carte? Die umfassende Bewertung gesundheitlicher Technologien. Z. Evid. Fortbild. Qual. Gesundh. wesen. 2008;102(2):93-97