Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: To highlight the strategic value of clinical guidelines projects in Health Technology Assessments (HTA), focusing on their role in reimbursement decisions, addressing evidence gaps, and guiding healthcare innovation.
METHODS: A systematic search was conducted to explore global HTA processes and the integration of clinical guidelines in key systems, including NICE (UK), ICER (USA), G-BA (Germany), HAS (France), CDA (Canada), PBAC (Australia), and CONITEC (Brazil). This analysis focused on understanding how clinical guidelines influence HTA outcomes, reimbursement decisions, and treatment pathways.
RESULTS: Clinical guidelines support HTA processes by systematically synthesizing robust evidence and data related to the disease of interest. This evidence is translated into actionable recommendations that inform and guide clinical practice. Beyond its application in rare diseases—where limited patient populations and research constraints often result in immature literature—clinical consensus serves as a vital tool for synthesizing expert opinions to guide decision-making. Globally, HTA integration with clinical guidelines varies significantly. For instance, NICE ensures alignment between guidelines and HTA outcomes, while G-BA relies on clinical guidelines to identify comparators for added-benefit assessments. HAS incorporates HTA recommendations directly into clinical guidelines, enhancing their utility for reimbursement decisions. These approaches underline the importance of harmonizing clinical guidelines with HTA to facilitate evidence-based decision-making. The inclusion of technology horizon scanning (THS) in clinical consensus projects ensures forward-looking relevance. By anticipating the impact of emerging innovations, THS strengthens HTA frameworks and aligns the guidelines with future clinical and healthcare system needs, maintaining their credibility in guiding HTA decisions. This dynamic process fosters trust among stakeholders and ensures that reimbursement frameworks are responsive to evolving patient needs and technological advancements.
CONCLUSIONS: Clinical guidelines enhance HTA by aligning reimbursement decisions with evolving evidence and innovation. Integrating THS and maintaining dynamic updates ensure relevance, fostering collaboration among stakeholders to optimize healthcare decision-making.