1
|
Alnaqbi KA, Elshamy AM, Gebran N, Fahmy S, Aldallal S, Korra N, Fasseeh AN, Kaló Z. Consensus-Based Recommendations for the Implementation of Health Technology Assessment in the United Arab Emirates. Value Health Reg Issues 2024; 43:101012. [PMID: 38861786 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2024.101012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Healthcare research and development have accelerated at an unprecedented rate creating a challenge even for high-income countries to finance all new technologies. Health technology assessment (HTA) aims to maximize health gains out of available resources. Our study aimed to provide tailor-made recommendations for HTA implementation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS We conducted a policy survey to explore the gap between the current and preferred future environment of HTA implementation in the UAE. The survey was distributed in 2 workshops discussing the importance of HTA implementation, and results were further aggregated to yield a list of draft recommendations. Recommendations were then assessed for their feasibility in a round table discussion with experts in the field to generate actions for HTA implementation. RESULTS Survey results and round table discussion indicated the need to leverage HTA for value-based decision making. Experts confirmed the unmet need for broader coverage of graduate and postgraduate HTA training with the aim of specific PhD programs in the UAE. Public funding for HTA appraisals and expanding the scope of HTA to nonpharmaceuticals was recommended. Furthermore, experts recommended that several HTA bodies should be coordinated centrally and highlighted the importance of having an explicit soft cost-effectiveness threshold for common technologies and a higher threshold for orphan drugs. CONCLUSIONS Although HTA in the UAE is still in its early stages, strong initiatives are being taken for its implementation. Our survey results served as a step in developing a detailed action plan for HTA implementation that will enhance the sustainability of the healthcare system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khalid A Alnaqbi
- Rheumatology Division, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | | | - Nicole Gebran
- Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; Abu Dhabi Healthcare Services Company (SEHA), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sahar Fahmy
- College of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sara Aldallal
- Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Emirates Health Economics Society, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Ahmad Nader Fasseeh
- Syreon Middle East, Alexandria, Egypt; Faculty of Pharmacy Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Zoltán Kaló
- Center for Health Technology Assessment, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fasseeh AN, Elezbawy B, El-Fass KA, GamaI M, Seyam A, Hayek N, Abdel Rahman N, Abdelhamid S, Fasseeh N, Saad AS, Elagamy A, Mahmoud A, Sedrak AS, Elshazly K, Eldebeiky M, Talaat M, Mohamed NM, Abdelaziz RA, Refaat R, Akeel S, Abaza S, Kaló Z. Maximizing the benefits of using biosimilars in Egypt. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:79. [PMID: 37365620 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00581-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biosimilars constitute a pathway for sustainable financing of healthcare systems in the era of expensive biologics. However, such a pathway is not free of challenges. Since the biosimilars market is expanding in Egypt, there is an urgent need for a policy framework to optimize their use and diffusion in the market. We aim to characterize a national framework based on the experiences of other countries and consultation with local experts. METHODS A narrative literature review was conducted to identify biosimilars' policy elements worldwide. A workshop was organized with experts to discuss the narrative review findings and create consensus on recommendations. RESULTS The narrative literature review highlighted the need for biosimilar policy actions in four areas: market authorization, pricing, reimbursement, and uptake. Eighteen experts representing the Egyptian healthcare authorities attended the workshop. The most significant conclusions from the workshop included setting the price of the biosimilar at 30-40% less than its originator's price and establishing financing protocols, in which the more expensive biologics with significant price premiums should be excluded from the formulary. CONCLUSIONS A summarized national framework policy recommendation for biosimilars was created by local experts from the main public healthcare entities in Egypt. These recommendations coincide with the international policies adopted across different countries that aim to improve patient access while sustaining health expenditure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Nader Fasseeh
- Syreon Middle East, Alexandria, Egypt.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | | | | | - Mary GamaI
- Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply and Technology Management, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Seyam
- Universal Health Insurance Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha Hayek
- Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | | | | | - Nader Fasseeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Ahmed Elagamy
- Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply and Technology Management, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Amal Samir Sedrak
- Universal Health Insurance Authority, Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Mariam Eldebeiky
- Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply and Technology Management, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | | | - Remonda Refaat
- Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply and Technology Management, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shaimaa Akeel
- Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply and Technology Management, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Zoltán Kaló
- Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Falkowski A, Ciminata G, Manca F, Bouttell J, Jaiswal N, Farhana Binti Kamaruzaman H, Hollingworth S, Al-Adwan M, Heggie R, Putri S, Rana D, Mukelabai Simangolwa W, Grieve E. How Least Developed to Lower-Middle Income Countries Use Health Technology Assessment: A Scoping Review. Pathog Glob Health 2023; 117:104-119. [PMID: 35950264 PMCID: PMC9970250 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2022.2106108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a multidisciplinary tool to inform healthcare decision-making. HTA has been implemented in high-income countries (HIC) for several decades but has only recently seen a growing investment in low- and middle-income countries. A scoping review was undertaken to define and compare the role of HTA in least developed and lower middle-income countries (LLMIC). MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched from January 2015 to August 2021. A matrix comprising categories on HTA objectives, methods, geographies, and partnerships was used for data extraction and synthesis to present our findings. The review identified 50 relevant articles. The matrix was populated and sub-divided into further categories as appropriate. We highlight topical aspects of HTA, including initiatives to overcome well-documented challenges around data and capacity development, and identify gaps in the research for consideration. Those areas we found to be under-studied or under-utilized included disinvestment, early HTA/implementation, system-level interventions, and cross-sectoral partnerships. We consider broad practical implications for decision-makers and researchers aiming to achieve greater interconnectedness between HTA and health systems and generate recommendations that LLMIC can use for HTA implementation. Whilst HIC may have led the way, LLMIC are increasingly beginning to develop HTA processes to assist in their healthcare decision-making. This review provides a forward-looking model that LLMIC can point to as a reference for their own implementation. We hope this can be seen as timely and useful contributions to optimize the impact of HTA in an era of investment and expansion and to encourage debate and implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Falkowski
- Division of Communicable Disease, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, State of Michigan, USA
| | - Giorgio Ciminata
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, University of Glasgow, 1 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow
| | - Francesco Manca
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, University of Glasgow, 1 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow
| | - Janet Bouttell
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, University of Glasgow, 1 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow
| | - Nishant Jaiswal
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, University of Glasgow, 1 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow
| | - Hanin Farhana Binti Kamaruzaman
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, University of Glasgow, 1 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow.,Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS), Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya
| | | | - Mariana Al-Adwan
- F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd, Amman, Jordan and Jordan ISPOR Chapter, Amman, Jordan
| | - Robert Heggie
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, University of Glasgow, 1 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow
| | - Septiara Putri
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, University of Glasgow, 1 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow.,Health Policy and Administration Department, Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia, Depok, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Dikshyanta Rana
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, University of Glasgow, 1 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow
| | - Warren Mukelabai Simangolwa
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa and Patient and Citizen Involvement in Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Eleanor Grieve
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, University of Glasgow, 1 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Health Technology Assessment in Turkey: Current Status and Perspectives on Future Implementation. HEALTH POLICY AND TECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlpt.2022.100701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
|
5
|
Capacity Building for Health Technology Assessment in Jordan: Institutionalization and Its Use in Pricing and Reimbursement Decisions. Value Health Reg Issues 2022; 32:47-53. [PMID: 36075139 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe the process of the institutionalization of health technology assessment (HTA) in Jordan. In particular, this study presents local policy perspectives on capacity building for HTA and the progress made toward its use in pricing and reimbursement decisions. HTA CAPACITY BUILDING University-based education and professional development training in pharmacoeconomics and pharmaceutical policy have been the starting points to create a receptive environment, necessary expertise, and local tools across many settings in Jordan. International collaboration with HTA supporting bodies helped to build connections and informed policy development on local levels through projects, meetings, and discussions. HTA INSTITUTIONALIZATION AND ITS USE IN PRICING AND REIMBURSEMENT DECISIONS: Institutionalizing HTA in the King Hussein Cancer Center and the Royal Medical Services was the driving factor for HTA implementation and practice advancement; nevertheless, process transparency and experience sharing through reports and publications are still limited. The Jordan Food and Drug Administration's pricing and formulary decisions require pharmacoeconomic consultation in selected cases according to the Jordanian Drug Law. Nevertheless, there is a lack of local methodological guidelines for conducting HTA. In addition, HTA practitioners and the regulatory scope of future HTA activities in Jordan cannot be determined yet. RECOMMENDATIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS Over the past 2 decades, Jordan has crossed a number of milestones and advanced further to implement HTA as a tool for evaluating health interventions. As a next step, legislation is needed to mandate the use of HTA and to enhance transparency in decision-making processes.
Collapse
|
6
|
Setiawan AW, Wicaksono AA. Implementation of Health Technology Assessment and Management Course in Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Engineering ITB. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2022; 2022:3281-3284. [PMID: 36086143 DOI: 10.1109/embc48229.2022.9871949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Engineering ITB, Indonesia, introduce the Health Technology Assessment and Management as an elective course in 2021. This course is implemented to support the World Health Assembly that urges the member states to establish national strategies in health technology assessment and management, particularly medical devices. Furthermore, it is designed to give biomedical engineering students a broader insight into their career opportunities. Therefore, this course is delivered by the practitioner and guided by the main lecturer. The course syllabus is developed from the WHO Medical Devices Technical Series and European Network for Health Technology Assessment. It tries to implement HTA Core Model for Rapid Relative Effectiveness Assessments. A questionnaire is used to measure the students' perception of the course implementation. Moreover, it is used to obtain the students' comments and feedback. The course that is delivered by the practitioner not only gives the course content but also the context. After attending the course, students have a broader insight into the career opportunities as biomedical engineers in Indonesia.
Collapse
|
7
|
Nagi MA, Dewi PEN, Thavorncharoensap M, Sangroongruangsri S. A Systematic Review on Economic Evaluation Studies of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interventions in the Middle East and North Africa. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2022; 20:315-335. [PMID: 34931297 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-021-00703-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Due to the increase in healthcare budget constraint, economic evaluation (EE) evidence is increasingly required to inform resource allocation decisions. This study aimed to systematically review quantity, characteristics, and quality of full EE studies on diagnostic and therapeutic interventions conducted in 26 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. METHODS PubMed and Scopus databases were comprehensively searched to identify the published EE studies in the MENA region. The quality of reviewed studies was evaluated using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. RESULTS The search identified 69 studies. The cost-utility approach was adopted in 49 studies (71 %). More than half (38 studies; 55 %) were conducted in Iran and Turkey. Sixteen countries (62 %) did not have any EE studies. The most frequently analyzed therapeutic areas were infectious diseases (19 studies; 28 %), cardiovascular diseases (11 studies; 16 %), and malignancies (10 studies; 14 %). Ten studies (14 %), 46 (67 %), 12 (17 %), and 1 study (1 %) were classified as excellent, high, moderate, and poor quality, respectively. The mean of items reported was 85.10 % (standard deviation 13.32 %). Characterizing heterogeneity, measurement of effectiveness, time horizon, and discount rate were missed in 21 (60 %), 22 (32 %), 20 (29 %) and 15 (25 %) studies, respectively. Data on effectiveness and utility relied primarily on studies conducted outside the region. CONCLUSIONS The quantity of EE studies in the MENA region remains low; however, overall quality is high to excellent. The availability of local data, capacity building, and national guidelines are vital to improve both the quantity and quality of EE studies in the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mouaddh Abdulmalik Nagi
- Doctor of Philosophy Program in Social, Economic, and Administrative Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Aljanad University for Science and Technology, Taiz, Yemen.
| | - Pramitha Esha Nirmala Dewi
- Doctor of Philosophy Program in Social, Economic, and Administrative Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacy Profession, Faculty of Medicine and health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Montarat Thavorncharoensap
- Social and Administrative Pharmacy Excellence Research (SAPER) Unit, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Sermsiri Sangroongruangsri
- Social and Administrative Pharmacy Division, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|