OBJECTIVES: Living Systematic Literature Reviews (SLRs) are continuously updated SLRs, incorporating relevant new evidence as it becomes available. Building on these benefits, this study aims to 1) assess the value of a downstream “Living” Cost-Effectiveness Model (CEM) for model inputs, 2) present technical implementation details and 3) draw conclusions from this example and establish ground for future research.

METHODS: The value of a Living CEM were discussed in an experts’ meeting. In parallel, we developed a simplified CEM (MS-Excel) for a hypothetical new Multiple Sclerosis drug, based on two recent NICE Technology Appraisal Guidances. Cost inputs were extracted from a Living SLR system on a monthly basis, in a pre-agreed CSV file-format and stored in a dedicated repository. Whenever new evidence emerged, an automated R script transferred the new evidence to the CEM, as well as their references. At any moment, the user could generate a CEM technical report with the latest cost evidence included.

RESULTS: The resulting process resulted in near-instantaneous transfer of input data from the Living SLR to the Living CEM, with no data loss nor corruption and, ultimately, in reports of better, standardized quality.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of Living Cost-Effectiveness Modeling following a Living SLR. A Living CEM has numerous advantages: the automated process improves efficiencies; the model always contains the latest data; countries launching the intervention always benefit from an updated model and HTA agencies can rely on the latest evidence. Some limitations exist, like the need for proper, continuous human-driven oversight for quality control; technical difficulties at the interface between software and the potential variable results with time. Further studies will be carried to uncover suitability to the discrete submission process of HTA agencies and improvements using AI to further automate and strengthen the process.