Realizing the value of complex medical technology: Demonstrating cost-effectiveness is not enough

C Hehakaya; G W J Frederix; J Rn van der Voort van Zyp; D E Grobbee; H M Verkooijen

doi:10.1016/j.ctro.2023.100644

Realizing the value of complex medical technology: Demonstrating cost-effectiveness is not enough

Clin Transl Radiat Oncol. 2023 Jun 1:41:100644. doi: 10.1016/j.ctro.2023.100644. eCollection 2023 Jul.

Authors

C Hehakaya¹, G W J Frederix², J Rn van der Voort van Zyp³, D E Grobbee^{1

3}, H M Verkooijen^{3

4}

Affiliations

¹ Global Public Health & Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
² Health Economic Evaluation, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
³ Division of Imaging & Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
⁴ Utrecht University, The Netherlands.

Abstract

The main factors driving the value of medical treatments are proven effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. This is different for complex medical technologies that combine scientific disciplines, functions or tools in a single solution-oriented method. This short communication provides three recommendations to realize the value of complex medical technologies. It is important to engage stakeholders before technology implementation to promote its relevance from multiple perspectives, to explore opportunities for professional development and collaboration, and to demonstrate the societal effects over the entire life-cycle.

Keywords: Complex interventions; Evaluation; Implementation; Innovations; Stakeholders; Technologies.