International practices in health technology assessment and public financing of digital health technologies: recommendations for Hungary

Abstract

BackgroundEvaluating and integrating digital health technologies is a critical component of a national healthcare ecosystem in the 2020s and is expected to even increase in significance.DesignThe paper gives an overview of international practices on public financing and health technology assessment of digital health technologies (DHTs) in five European Union (EU) countries and outlines recommendations for country-level action that relevant stakeholders can consider in order to support uptake of digital health solutions in Hungary. A scoping review was carried out to identify and gather country-specific classifications and international practices on the financing DHTs in five pioneering EU countries: Germany, France, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Finland.ResultsSeveral frameworks have been developed for DHTs, however there is no single, unified framework or method for classification, evaluation, and financing of digital health technologies in European context. European countries apply different taxonomy, use different assessment domains and regulations for the reimbursement of DHTs. The Working Group of the Hungarian Health Economic Society recommends eight specific points for stakeholders, importantly taking active role in shaping common clinical evidence standards and technical quality criteria across in order for common standards to be developed in the European Union single market.ConclusionSpecificities of national healthcare contexts must be taken into account in decisions to allocate public funds to certain therapies rather than others.

Under the Tech Umbrella: Assessing the Landscape of Telemedicine Innovations (Telemechron Study)

“…An analysis of recent studies within this realm [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 ] reveals a diverse tapestry of themes and a wide array of focal points in the field of technology assessment (TA). From a nuanced exploration of the One Health paradigm [ 47 ] to considerations of sustainability [ 49 ] and the intricate landscape of personalized medicine [ 50 ], these studies consistently highlight several key dimensions.…”

“…Acknowledging the importance of adopting a collaborative, global approach [ 56 , 60 ] in an era where advancements in technology transcend geographical boundaries, collaborative efforts on an international scale become paramount. This approach fosters the exchange of best practices, accelerates the standardization of assessment methodologies, and facilitates a more unified response to global healthcare challenges.…”

“…Noteworthy emphasis on economic impact analyses [ 55 , 56 ] recognizes the profound implications of digital health technologies on healthcare economics, delving into fiscal aspects to unravel the economic dimensions underpinning the adoption and sustainability of such technologies.…”

Pioneering a Framework for Robust Telemedicine Technology Assessment (Telemechron Study)

“…There is a growing recognition of the importance of adopting a collaborative, global approach [10,14]. In an era where technology advancements transcend geographical boundaries, international collaborative efforts become paramount, fostering the exchange of the best practices and accelerating the standardization of assessment methodologies.…”

“…Economic Impact Analyses (V): There is a noteworthy emphasis on economic impact analyses [9,10]. Recognizing the profound implications of digital health technologies on healthcare economics, these studies delve into fiscal aspects, aiming to unravel the economic dimensions that underpin the adoption and sustainability of such technologies.…”