OBJECTIVES: EU directive (2014/24) on public procurement strives to stimulate innovation and seeks for methodologies to implement a quality/cost based Most Economically Advantageous Tendering (MEAT). MedTech Europe launched the MEAT Value-Based-Procurement initiative: a framework, compiling best practices and based on layers covering from outcomes /costs and considering value from different perspectives as proposed by the HTAi policy forum. The process and results from the first EU pilot testing the feasibility to use the MEAT’s framework/tool at our university hospital is presented

METHODS: The pilot included different types of technologies: high volume (underpads, diapers) and highly specialized (TAVI). Companies were invited to participate following standard procurement rules. Criteria, metrics (i.e. measurement units) and weights were defined, using multidisciplinary teams. In parallel, companies were asked to do the same justifying their criteria selection. Information provided by companies was reviewed; scores for products performance were obtained through regression analysis. Challenges and feasibility of implementing a MEAT process in real life were identified through face-to-face meetings.

RESULTS: The process was valued by companies and our procurement organization. Nevertheless, level of information provided by companies was not homogeneous either in quantity or quality. There was a greater coincidence between the criteria proposed by HCB and companies in the outcomes/costs layer, nevertheless relative weights differed. The challenges to provide value propositions and robustness of information differed across technologies and size of companies. Implementing the MEAT Value-based-procurement framework/tool requires additional expertise, buy-in and is more time consuming. For identifying relevant and valuing some criteria knowledge gathered from HB-HTA is an asset.

CONCLUSIONS: MEAT is an opportunity to value technologies ahead of price. Nevertheless is still not well understood by companies, and a learning curve exists. MEAT value-based-procurement facilitates a more comprehensive value and a full cost of care consideration and can lead to economic most advantageous purchasing.