A Value Framework for the Assessment of Diagnostic Technologies: A Proposal Based on a Targeted Systematic Review and a Multistakeholder Deliberative Process in Latin America

Mike Drummond, Federico Augustovski, Veronica Alfie, Andrea Alcaraz, Sebastian Garcia Marti, Andres Pichon-Riviere

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives
there are very few value frameworks (VFs) to assess health technologies that are focused on diagnostic tests; they usually do not reflect a multistakeholder process; and they are all developed in high-income countries. Our project performed a targeted systematic review, with the objective of proposing an evidence-based, up-to-date VF informed by a multinational multistakeholder group working in the health technology assessment (HTA) space.
Methods
(1) A targeted systematic review, with the aim to identify existing VFs and their dimensions; and (2) generation a VF proposal through a mixed-methods, qualitative-quantitative approach.
Results
From 73 citations identified, 20 met our inclusion criteria and served to provide the initial list of dimensions for our VF. An initial list of criteria and subcriteria for a preliminary VF was proposed. After a full-day deliberative face-to-face meeting with 30 relevant stakeholders from seven Latin American countries and the United Kingdom, the final VF was defined, consisting of 15 criteria: five “essential or core,” six highly relevant, three moderately relevant, and one of low relevance. Barriers and facilitators of value assessment of diagnostic technologies were also discussed.
Conclusions
We propose a VF oriented to diagnostic technologies based on a targeted systematic review and a participatory process with key HTA stakeholders. It is the first to be produced in a lower and middle income setting but can also be potentially useful in other contexts aimed to assist decision-making processes with these particularly complex health technologies.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-11
Number of pages11
JournalValue in Health
Volume24
Issue number1
Early online date15 Jan 2021
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 15 Jan 2021

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