Digital Health Technologies: Challenges in Evaluating Same ‘Class’ of Technologies
Author(s)
Varghese A1, Malcolm R1, Holmes H2
1York Health Economics Consortium, University of York, York, UK, 2York Health Economics Consortium, University of York, University of York, YOR, UK
OBJECTIVES:
New digital health technologies are emerging at pace for specific clinical pathways each year, such as mental health apps and virtual wards. With the increased uptake of these technologies within health care systems it is important to consider whether the current approach to technology assessment is appropriate.METHODS: Here we explore the key concepts that must be considered when evaluating similar technologies which address a common decision problem.
RESULTS:
Firstly, unlike pharmaceuticals which could be evaluated as a class of drugs by assuming equal efficacy, the effectiveness of seemingly similar digital health technologies can vary depending on many factors. This can include the user interface, the integration into the healthcare system, and the specific tools provided. Regarding the latter, digital health technologies can be the product of multiple different technologies. Therefore, if comparing two similar technologies, it becomes a comparison of the sequence or selection of tools that are being provided. Secondly, it is important to consider the heterogeneity in the outcomes used to capture the effectiveness of the technology. Different measurements of effectiveness across technologies can make it difficult to compare their clinical impact relative to each other. This in turn can affect how easily these outcomes, if short-term, can be mapped onto long-term health outcomes and compared. Thirdly, there is little consideration given to the impact on end users. Variability in the interface of a technology, and the tools they provide, can support choice, providing the flexibility to identify and implement technologies best suited for them. However, uptake of different technologies may lead to fragmented management of conditions.CONCLUSIONS:
Evaluating digital health technologies can be challenging. Due to the fast-paced nature of technology development, methods and processes must be developed to address these issues. This will ensure useful technologies are embedded into the system optimally to improve health.Conference/Value in Health Info
2023-11, ISPOR Europe 2023, Copenhagen, Denmark
Value in Health, Volume 26, Issue 11, S2 (December 2023)
Code
MT48
Topic
Medical Technologies
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas