title: Challenges in the Assessment of Medical Devices: The MedtecHTA Project.
abstract: Assessing medical devices (MDs) raises challenges which require us to reflect on whether current methods are adequate. Major features of devices are: (i) device-operator interaction can generate learning curve effects; (ii) incremental nature of innovation needs to be addressed by careful identification of the alternatives for comparative and incremental cost-effectiveness analysis; and (iii) broader organizational impact in terms of training and infrastructure, coupled with dynamic pricing, requires a more flexible approach to costing. The objective of the MedtecHTA project was to investigate improvements in HTA methods to allow for more comprehensive evaluation of MDs. It consisted of several work packages concerning (i) the available evidence on the currently adopted approaches for regulation and HTA of medical devices; (ii) the geographical variation in access to MDs; (iii) the development of methodological frameworks for conducting comparative effectiveness research and economic evaluation of MDs; and (iv) the organizational impact of MDs. This introductory paper summarizes the main results of the project and draws out the main overarching themes. This supplement represents a comprehensive report of all the main findings of the MedtecHTA project, and it is intended to be the main source for researchers and policy makers wanting information on the project. © 2017 The Authors. Health Economics published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
authors.affiliation: Cergas, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy.|Department of Policy Analysis and Public Management, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Rosanna
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tarricone
authors.affiliation: Cergas, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy.|Department of Policy Analysis and Public Management, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Aleksandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Torbica
authors.affiliation: Cergas, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy.|Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Drummond
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D004864:Equipment and Supplies / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D005062:European Union; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*
keywords: Health Technology Assessment; MedtecHTA; economic evaluation; medical devices; methods