Domains and Methods of Medical Device Technology Evaluation: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: Identify, through a systematic review, the main domains and methods to support health technology assessment of Medical Devices (MD) from the perspective of technological incorporation into healthcare systems. Methods: Performed structured searches in MEDLINE, Embase, BVS, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for full studies published between 2017 and May 2023. Selection, extraction, and quality assessment were performed by two blinded reviewers, and discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. Results: A total of 5,790 studies were retrieved, of which 41 were included. We grouped the identified criteria into eight domains for the evaluations. Conclusion: Overall, studies discuss the need to establish specific methods for conducting HTA in MD. Due to the wide diversity of MD types, a single methodological guideline may not encompass all the specificities and intrinsic characteristics of the plurality of MD. Studies suggest using clustering criteria through technological characterization as a strategy to make the process as standardized as possible.

Bridging Real-World Data Gaps: Connecting Dots Across 10 Asian Countries.

The economic trend and the health care landscape are rapidly evolving across Asia. Effective real-world data (RWD) for regulatory and clinical decision-making is a crucial milestone associated with this evolution. This necessitates a critical evaluation of RWD generation within distinct nations for the use of various RWD warehouses in the generation of real-world evidence (RWE). In this article, we outline the RWD generation trends for 2 contrasting nation archetypes: "Solo Scholars"-nations with relatively self-sufficient RWD research systems-and "Global Collaborators"-countries largely reliant on international infrastructures for RWD generation. The key trends and patterns in RWD generation, country-specific insights into the predominant databases used in each country to produce RWE, and insights into the broader landscape of RWD database use across these countries are discussed. Conclusively, the data point out the heterogeneous nature of RWD generation practices across 10 different Asian nations and advocate for strategic enhancements in data harmonization. The evidence highlights the imperative for improved database integration and the establishment of standardized protocols and infrastructure for leveraging electronic medical records (EMR) in streamlining RWD acquisition. The clinical data analysis and reporting system of Hong Kong is an excellent example of a successful EMR system that showcases the capacity of integrated robust EMR platforms to consolidate and produce diverse RWE. This, in turn, can potentially reduce the necessity for reliance on numerous condition-specific local and global registries or limited and largely unavailable medical insurance or claims databases in most Asian nations. Linking health technology assessment processes with open data initiatives such as the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model and the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics could enable the leveraging of global data resources to inform local decision-making. Advancing such initiatives is crucial for reinforcing health care frameworks in resource-limited settings and advancing toward cohesive, evidence-driven health care policy and improved patient outcomes in the region.

Next-generation sequencing impact on cancer care: applications, challenges, and future directions.

Fundamentally precision oncology illustrates the path in which molecular profiling of tumors can illuminate their biological behavior, diversity, and likely outcomes by identifying distinct genetic mutations, protein levels, and other biomarkers that underpin cancer progression. Next-generation sequencing became an indispensable diagnostic tool for diagnosis and treatment guidance in current clinical practice. Nowadays, tissue analysis benefits from further support through methods like comprehensive genomic profiling and liquid biopsies. However, precision medicine in the field of oncology presents specific hurdles, such as the cost-benefit balance and widespread accessibility, particularly in countries with low- and middle-income. A key issue is how to effectively extend next-generation sequencing to all cancer patients, thus empowering treatment decision-making. Concerns also extend to the quality and preservation of tissue samples, as well as the evaluation of health technologies. Moreover, as technology advances, novel next-generation sequencing assessments are being developed, including the study of Fragmentomics. Therefore, our objective was to delineate the primary uses of next-generation sequencing, discussing its' applications, limitations, and prospective paths forward in Oncology.

Pharmaceutical innovativeness index: methodological approach for assessing the value of medicines - a case study of oncology drugs.

BACKGROUND: We propose a framework to assess the value of pharmaceutical innovations, with explicit clinical and methodological parameters, based on the therapeutic value and health needs. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The study was based on the adaptation of health technology assessment methods documented in the literature, which was applied to a sample of oncological drugs. Difficulties and issues during the application of those tools were identified and addressed to develop a new framework with new and revised domains and clear classification criterion for each domain. Scores were assigned to each level and domain according to their relevance to generate the final score of innovativeness. RESULTS: The Pharmaceutical Innovation Index (PII) includes four domains, two related to clinical and social dimensions - Therapeutic Need and Added Therapeutic Value - and other two about methodological features - Study Design and Quality (risk of bias). The scores combined after assigned to each domain results Index of the Innovativeness of the medicines represents the degree of pharmaceutical innovation. CONCLUSION: This work proposes a transparent methodology with well-defined criteria and script; the algorithm developed with authors' weightings and criteria may be switched to best adjust to other applications, perspective or clinical indications, while keeping the transparency and objectiveness.

[Judicialization of high priced medications in Argentina: quali-quantitative study]. / Judicialización de medicamentos de alto precio en Argentina: estudio cuali-cuantitativo.

INTRODUCTION: The economic consequences of mandatory coverage, through judicial means, of high-priced medications constitutes a growing problem, which merits knowing its local characteristics to provide possible solutions. OBJECTIVE: To identify medications, diseases involved, economic impact and contextual factors of the judicialization of high-priced medications in the Argentine Health System(MEP). METHODS: Quali-quantitative descriptive study that retrospectively analyzed legal protection resources by MEP from three national and provincial databases from January 2017 to December 2020, evaluating the existing relationship between lawsuits with regulatory approval, inclusion in benefit packages and relationship with journalistic articles for the three most frequently prosecuted drugs. RESULTS: 405 lawsuits were included, mainly from the Ministry of National Health. The three most prosecuted medications were nusinersen (21.7%), palbociclib (5.9%) and agalsidase-alfa (4.7%). Only 69.4% of medications were approved for marketing in Argentina at the time of the protection; 45.7% were incorporated into the Single Reimbursement System, and 16.8% had a report from the National Commission for the Evaluation of Health Technologies and Clinical Excellence (CONETEC), which was negative in 87.1% of cases. The average time from request to provision of the medication was 150 days. A temporal correlation was observed between the appearance of the MEP in the national graphic press and the appeals occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Judicialization focused on very highpriced medications for rare or oncological diseases. The rulings were mostly in favor of the plaintiff, and access times to the medication took a long time. The mass media anticipated the judicial processes.

Introducción: Las consecuencias económicas de la cobertura obligatoria, vía judicial, de medicamentos de alto precio constituye un problema creciente, que amerita conocer sus características locales para aportar posibles soluciones. OBJETIVO: Identificar medicamentos, enfermedades, impacto económico y factores contextuales de la judicialización de medicamentos de alto precio (MEP) Argentina. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo cuali-cuantitativo que analizó retrospectivamente recursos de amparos legales por MEP de tres bases de datos nacionales y provinciales durante 4 años, evaluando relación existente entre amparos con aprobación regulatoria, inclusión de los MEP al paquete de beneficios y relación con notas periodísticas. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 405 amparos provenientes principalmente del Ministerio de Salud Nacional. Los tres medicamentos más judicializados fueron nusinersen (21.7%), palbociclib (5.9%) y agalsidasa-alfa (4.7%). Solo el 69.4% de los medicamentos se encontraban aprobados para la comercialización en Argentina al momento del amparo; el 45.7% se encontraban incorporados al Sistema Único de Reintegros y el 16.8% contaban con informe de la Comisión Nacional de Evaluación de Tecnologías Sanitarias y Excelencia Clínica (CONETEC), negativa en el 87.1% de casos. El tiempo promedio desde la solicitud hasta la provisión del medicamento fue de 150 días. Se observó una correlación temporal entre la aparición del MEP en la prensa nacional gráfica y la presentación de amparos de dicho MEP. CONCLUSIONES: La judicialización se concentró en medicamentos de altísimo precio para enfermedades poco frecuentes u oncológicas. Los fallos fueron mayoritariamente a favor del demandante, siendo los tiempos de acceso al medicamento prolongados. Los medios de comunicación anticiparon los procesos judiciales.

HTA criteria adopted in different models of public healthcare systems for orphan drugs: A scoping review.

Access to drugs for rare diseases constitutes a challenge to healthcare systems, especially those with public funding. This study aimed to map and summarize the criteria used by HTA agencies in different healthcare systems to evaluate reimbursement recommendations for orphan drugs. A comprehensive literature search was performed on the databases PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, and Embase and the gray literature (Google Scholar and websites of HTA agencies). Publications addressing the criteria used by HTA agencies in countries with public healthcare systems when evaluating reimbursement recommendations for orphan drugs were included. This scoping review included 23 studies published between 2014 and 2023, mostly consisting of reviews of HTA reports, guidance documents, and original articles. The criteria were mapped from 19 countries and ranked within three models of healthcare systems (National Health System, National Health Insurance, and Social Health Insurance). All models shared concerns about unmet needs and disease nature. In addition, NHS countries (e.g., United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy) prioritized innovation and system-level impact, while SHI countries (e.g., Germany, France, the Netherlands) usually valued budget impact and employed expedited evaluation processes. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the general tendencies of each healthcare system model in establishing differentiated criteria to address the challenges posed by the limited evidence and investment in the field of rare diseases.

Application of natural language processing to predict final recommendation of Brazilian health technology assessment reports.

INTRODUCTION: Health technology assessment (HTA) plays a vital role in healthcare decision-making globally, necessitating the identification of key factors impacting evaluation outcomes due to the significant workload faced by HTA agencies. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to predict the approval status of evaluations conducted by the Brazilian Committee for Health Technology Incorporation (CONITEC) using natural language processing (NLP). METHODS: Data encompassing CONITEC's official report summaries from 2012 to 2022. Textual data was tokenized for NLP analysis. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator, logistic regression, support vector machine, random forest, neural network, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), were evaluated for accuracy, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC) score, precision, and recall. Cluster analysis using the k-modes algorithm categorized entries into two clusters (approved, rejected). RESULTS: The neural network model exhibited the highest accuracy metrics (precision at 0.815, accuracy at 0.769, ROC AUC at 0.871, and recall at 0.746), followed by XGBoost model. The lexical analysis uncovered linguistic markers, like references to international HTA agencies' experiences and government as demandant, potentially influencing CONITEC's decisions. Cluster and XGBoost analyses emphasized that approved evaluations mainly concerned drug assessments, often government-initiated, while non-approved ones frequently evaluated drugs, with the industry as the requester. CONCLUSIONS: NLP model can predict health technology incorporation outcomes, opening avenues for future research using HTA reports from other agencies. This model has the potential to enhance HTA system efficiency by offering initial insights and decision-making criteria, thereby benefiting healthcare experts.

Challenges and opportunities in building a health economic framework for personalized medicine in oncology.

Personalized medicine has allowed for knowledge at an individual level for several diseases and this has led to improvements in prevention and treatment of various types of neoplasms. Despite the greater availability of tests, the costs of genomic testing and targeted therapies are still high for most patients, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Although value frameworks and health technology assessment are fundamental to allow decision-making by policymakers, there are several concerns in terms of personalized medicine pharmacoeconomics. A global effort may improve these tools in order to allow access to personalized medicine for an increasing number of patients with cancer.

Estratégias de Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde (ATS) para medicamentos para doenças raras: uma revisão rápida de escopo / Health Technology Assessment (HTA) strategies for drugs in rare diseases: a rapid scope review

A Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde (ATS) considera os domínios de benefícios clínicos, perfil epidemiológico, inovação, custo-efetividade, ética e de equidade no processo de decisão dos gestores em saúde. No contexto dos medicamentos para doenças raras, é desafiador o trabalho da ATS, dada a baixa disponibilidade de evidências robustas e o alto custo unitário das tecnologias. O objetivo da revisão foi analisar as estratégias disponíveis de avaliação das demandas de incorporação de medicamentos para o tratamento de doenças raras em sistemas de saúde. Foi realizada uma revisão rápida com busca estruturada na base de dados MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library e Health Systems Evidence. Incluíram-se estudos sobre estratégias de avaliação de medicamentos utilizados para tratamento de doenças raras. Adicionalmente, foram realizadas buscas nas Agências de ATS do Brasil, Austrália, Nova Zelândia, Canadá, Reino Unido, França, Estados Unidos e Alemanha. A síntese dos resultados foi qualitativa com o agrupamento dos achados nos seguintes eixos temáticos: Segurança e efetividade, Custo-efetividade, Impacto orçamentário e Perspectiva da sociedade. Foram identificadas 267 publicações, sendo selecionadas 16 das bases de dados indexadas e 7 da literatura cinzenta. Com a análise dos documentos, pode-se concluir que a adoção de critérios específicos harmonizada com o atual modelo de ATS é um possível caminho a ser seguido no contexto dos medicamentos para doenças raras. Concomitante a isso, abordagens no sentido de incentivo a pesquisa e produção de dados de mundo real e a criação de comitês específicos para tratativa do tema nas agências de ATS apresentam-se como alternativa para lidar com as fragilidades no contexto de doenças raras.

The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) considers evidence regarding clinical benefits, epidemiological profile, innovation, cost-effectiveness, ethics and equity in its assessment process to support managers' decisions. In the context of drugs in rare diseases, the work of the ATS is challenging given the low availability of evidence and the high cost of technologies. The objective of the review was to analyze the available strategies for evaluating the demands for incorporating drugs for the treatment of rare diseases in health systems. A rapid review was performed with a structured search in the MEDLINE database (via PubMed), the Cochrane Library and Health Systems Evidence. Studies on strategies for evaluating drugs used to treat rare diseases were included and, additionally, searches were carried out in ATS Agencies in Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom, France, United States and Germany. The synthesis of the results was qualitative, grouping the major ones into thematic axes: Safety and effectiveness, Cost-effectiveness, Budgetary impact and Society's perspective. 267 publications were identified, 16 selected from indexed databases and 7 from gray literature. With the analysis of the documents, it can be concluded that the adoption of specific criteria harmonized with the current ATS model is a possible path to be followed in the context of drugs for rare diseases. At the same time, approaches to encourage research and the creation of specific committees to deal with the issue in HTA agencies would complement actions towards the consolidation of this work.

Does patient and public involvement impact public health decision-making? A 10 year retrospective analysis of public consultation in Brazil.

BACKGROUND:  The aim of this work is to characterize the processes associated with patient and public involvement (PPI) in the form of public consultations (PC) during the first 10 years of operation of the National Committee for Health Technology Incorporation in the Unified Health System (Conitec) of Brazil, and to identify factors associated with changes in Conitec's recommendations following these PC. METHODS:  This cross-sectional study analysed all processes related to the adoption of technologies that took place in Brazil between 2012 and 2021 based on technical reports and self-reported information collected from PC participants. A multiple logistic regression model identified factors associated with changes in Conitec's recommendations following PC. RESULTS:  A total of 479 technical reports were published, of which 83% (n = 400) were submitted to PC. Demands were made mainly by applicants from the government (n = 262; 55%), regarding the adoption of medicines (n = 366; 76%), in which context neoplasms and infectious diseases were the most frequent indications (n = 66; 14% for each). A total of 264 (55%) processes resulted in a final recommendation in favour of introducing the technology. Over the period of 10 years, 196 483 contributions were received in response to PC. The largest volume of contributions was made by patients and their families or representatives (n = 99 082; 50%), females (122 895; 67%), white individuals (129 165; 71%) and individuals between the ages of 25 and 59 years (145 364; 80%). Alteration of the preliminary recommendation occurred in 13% (n = 53) of the PC, with a higher proportion of recommendations being altered from 2017 onwards. Increased participation by patients had a significant impact on the alteration of the preliminary recommendation (odds ratio 3.87, 95% CI 1.33-13.35, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Increased engagement of patients and their families and caregivers in PC was associated with changing the preliminary recommendation of Conitec about the adoption of technologies into the public health system in Brazil.

Effectiveness and safety of caplacizumab in acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: health technology assessment and classification according to the methodology established in Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP) is a rare hematological disease whose clinical management includes caplacizumab along with plasma exchange and immunosuppression, according to international guidelines. Caplacizumab has been available in Colombia since 2022. This study seeks to determine the therapeutic classification of caplacizumab according to the methodology of the Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud. METHODS: The classification was carried out through a deliberative process following the modified Delphi technique, with a panel of experts, made up of four hemato-oncologists, a pharmaceutical chemist, and a patient. The results of effectiveness and safety obtained through a systematic review, therapeutic thresholds (clinical significance), and degree of acceptability (willingness to use the technology) were used for the classification. RESULTS: Fourteen effectiveness and safety outcomes were submitted for the classification process. Caplacizumab showed clinical significance for some effectiveness outcomes, was not considered inferior in terms of safety, and displayed acceptability of use. Through consensus, the panel determined that caplacizumab plus the standard regimen is superior to the standard regimen in terms of treatment response and composite outcome, and no different for the other effectiveness and safety outcomes. Likewise, in overall terms, the panel determined that caplacizumab together with the standard regimen is superior to the standard regimen. CONCLUSION: Treatment with caplacizumab together with the standard regimen was considered superior to the standard regimen for the treatment of patients with aTTP, as it showed clinically significant benefits in critical outcomes for decision making, and a safety profile no different to its comparator.

Marketing authorisation and pricing of FDA-approved cancer drugs in Brazil: a retrospective analysis.

Background: Most cancer drugs enter the US market first. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals of new cancer drugs may influence regulatory decisions in other settings. The study examined whether characteristics of available evidence at FDA approval influenced time-to-marketing authorisation (MA) in Brazil, and price differences between the two countries. Methods: All new FDA-approved cancer drugs from 2010 to 2019 were matched to drugs with MA and prices approved in Brazil by December 2020. Characteristics of main studies, availability of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), overall survival (OS) benefit, added therapeutic benefit, and prices were compared. Findings: Fifty-six FDA-approved cancer drugs with matching indications received a MA at the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) after a median of 522 days following US approval (IQR: 351-932). Earlier authorisation in Brazil was associated with availability of RCT (median: 506 vs 760 days, p = 0.031) and evidence of OS benefit (390 vs 543 days, p = 0.019) at FDA approval. At Brazilian marketing authorisation, a greater proportion of cancer drugs had main RCTs (75% vs 60.7%) and OS benefit (42.9% vs 21.4%) than that in the US. Twenty-eight (50%) drugs did not demonstrate added therapeutic benefit over drugs for the same indication in Brazil. Median approved prices of new cancer drugs were 12.9% lower in Brazil compared to the US (adjusted by Purchasing Power Parity). However, for drugs with added therapeutic benefit median prices were 5.9% higher in Brazil compared to the US, while 17.9% lower for those without added benefit. Interpretation: High-quality clinical evidence accelerated the availability of cancer medicines in Brazil. The combination of marketing and pricing authorisation in Brazil may favour the approval of cancer drugs with better supporting evidence, and more meaningful clinical benefit albeit with variable degree of success in achieving lower prices compared to the US. Funding: None.

Exploring the COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on the Health Technology Assessment Process of the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies Into the Brazilian Health System.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Brazilian health technology assessment processes based on public reports from the National Committee for Health Technology Incorporation (CONITEC). METHODS: This descriptive study analyzed CONITEC's official reports on Brazil available on its website between 2018 and 2021 that aimed to propose recommendations for technologies to be incorporated into its public healthcare system. We used descriptive statistics covering the number of technologies and number of reports about drugs per year, objective, type of technology, demanding sector, and outcome before 2018 to 2019 and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021). Furthermore, we used logistic regression to explore any association between the final decision labeled as "incorporated" and the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 278 reports were analyzed. Approximately 85% (136 of 278), 79% (220 of 278), and 45% of the reports (125 of 278) were about drugs, for incorporation, and requested by the government, respectively. Moreover, 74 of 130 (57%) and 56 of 148 decisions (38%) were "incorporated" before and during the pandemic, respectively. No significant association was noted between incorporated decisions and the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic for all technologies (odds ratio 1.43; 95% CI 0.84-2.46; P = .192) and for drugs (odds ratio 1.43; 95% confidence interval 0.81-2.53; P = .223) while adjusting for the type of technology and demandant. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges, but it does not seem to have had a significant impact on the health technology assessment approval decisions of CONITEC in Brazil.

Desenvolvimento de um protótipo de software baseado na caderneta de saúde da pessoa idosa / Development of a software prototype based on the health booklet of the elderly person / Desarrollo de un prototipo de software basado en la cartilla de salud de la persona mayor

RESUMO: Objetivo: descrever o desenvolvimento de um protótipo de software baseado na Caderneta de Saúde da Pessoa Idosa, utilizando a Avaliação Heurística para análise de sua usabilidade. Método: pesquisa aplicada de desenvolvimento tecnológico, utilizando a Avaliação Heurística de Nielsen como forma de realizar a análise de usabilidade, iniciada em novembro de 2021 em Juiz de Fora e São João Del Rei. Resultados: o protótipo inicial conta com 5 telas, que contêm alguns dados relevantes para o cuidado em saúde da pessoa idosa, como idade, comorbidades e histórico de alergias. Os idosos conseguirão fazer a edição dos dados pessoais, mas somente os profissionais conseguirão incluir os dados de saúde dos pacientes, com o objetivo de torná-los mais fidedignos. Conclusão: a utilização deste aplicativo contribuirá para atualizar e avançar com o uso de tecnologias voltadas para o cuidado em saúde, e que trará benefícios para os sistemas de saúde e para os usuários.

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the development of a software prototype based on the Health Booklet for the Elderly, using Heuristic Evaluation to analyze its usability. Method: applied technological development research, using Nielsen's Heuristic Evaluation as a way of carrying out usability analysis, which began in November 2021 in Juiz de Fora and São João Del Rei. Results: the initial prototype has 5 screens, which contain some relevant data for the health care of the elderly, such as age, comorbidities, and history of allergies. The elderly will be able to edit their personal data, but only professionals will be able to include the patient's health data, with the aim of making it more reliable. Conclusion: The use of this application will help to update and advance the use of technologies aimed at health care and will bring benefits to health systems and users.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir el desarrollo de un prototipo de software basado en la Cartilla de Salud de la Persona Mayor, utilizando la Evaluación Heurística para analizar su usabilidad. Método: investigación aplicada de desarrollo tecnológico, utilizando la Evaluación Heurística de Nielsen como medio para realizar el análisis de usabilidad, iniciada en noviembre de 2021 en Juiz de Fora y São João Del Rei. Resultados: el prototipo inicial cuenta con 5 pantallas, que contienen algunos datos relevantes para el cuidado de la salud de las personas mayores, como la edad, las comorbilidades y el historial de alergias. Los ancianos podrán editar sus datos personales, pero sólo los profesionales podrán incluir los datos de salud del paciente, con el objetivo de hacerlo más fiable. Conclusión: El uso de esta aplicación contribuirá a actualizar y avanzar en el uso de las tecnologías destinadas a la atención sanitaria, y aportará beneficios a los sistemas de salud y a los usuarios.

Perfil de notas técnicas para suporte técnico-científico à decisão judicial do medicamento Zolgensma® (onasemnogeno abeparvoveque) / Profile of technical notes for scientific and technical support to judicial decision on the Zolgensma® (onasemnogene abeparvovec)

Introdução: O aumento da judicialização da saúde tem destacado a importância dos centros de avaliação judicial em decisões baseadas em evidências. A atrofia muscular espinhal (AME) é uma doença neurodegenerativa caracterizada principalmente por hipotonia muscular progressiva e alta mortalidade nos primeiros dois anos de vida. Embora o medicamento Zolgensma® (onasemnogeno abeparvoveque) seja indicado para o tratamento da AME, seu custo elevado e a indisponibilidade pelo sistema público de saúde brasileiro tornam o tratamento inviável, resultando em processos judiciais. Objetivo: Descrever o perfil das informações contidas nas notas técnicas (NT) disponíveis no Sistema Nacional de Pareceres e Notas Técnicas (e-NatJus), utilizadas como apoio nas decisões judiciais relacionadas ao Zolgensma®. Material e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo com dados de notas técnicas disponíveis no e-NatJus no período entre setembro de 2021 a setembro de 2023. Resultados: Foram identificadas 63 notas técnicas, sendo que uma foi excluída por se tratar de nota complementar. Das 62 NTs consideradas elegíveis para análise neste estudo, a idade média dos participantes foi de 2,03 (± 1,54) anos, sendo a maioria do sexo masculino. A maioria das solicitações foi para tratamento de AME tipo 1 (N= 52; 82%). Destas, somente 23 atendiam a faixa etária inferior a 2 anos. Quanto à recomendação final, 14 NTs foram favoráveis ao fornecimento do Zolgensma®. Conclusão: Os resultados revelaram o perfil das NTs baseadas em evidências científicas, que subsidiam decisões judiciais visando minimizar impactos no orçamento da saúde. Iniciativas como o Sistema e-NatJus são fundamentais para acesso a esses subsídios, embora a disseminação de informações e capacitações continuadas sejam necessárias. Pesquisas adicionais sobre o impacto dos Núcleos de Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde (NATS) e Núcleos de Apoio Técnico ao Judiciário (NATJUS) na judicialização da saúde são importantes.

Introduction: The increasing judicialization of health has highlighted the importance of judicial evaluation centers in evidence-based decisions. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized mainly by progressive muscle hypotonia and high mortality in the first two years of life. Although the medication Zolgensma® (onasemnogene abeparvovec) is indicated for the treatment of SMA, its high cost and unavailability through the Brazilian public health system make the treatment unfeasible, resulting in legal proceedings. Objective: To describe the profile of the information contained in the Technical Notes (TN) available in the e-NatJus System used as support in Zolgensma® judicial decisions. Material and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted with data from technical notes available in the National System of Opinions and Technical Notes (e-NatJus) from September 2021 to September 2023. Results: 63 Technical Notes were identified, with one excluded as a Complementary Note. Of the 62 TNs considered eligible for analysis in this study, the mean age of the participants was 2.03 (± 1.54) years, with the majority being male. Most requests were for the treatment of SMA type 1 (N= 52; 82%). Of these, only 23 met the age criteria of less than 2 years. Regarding the final recommendation, 14 TNs were favorable to the provision of Zolgensma®. Conclusion: The results revealed the profile of technical notes based on scientific evidence, which support judicial decisions aimed at minimizing impacts on healthcare budgets. Initiatives like the e-NatJus System are essential for accessing these subsidies, although the dissemination of information and continuous training are necessary. Further research on the impact of NATS and NATJUS on healthcare judicialization is important.

Elaboração de guia para Núcleos de Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde da Rede Ebserh: relato de experiência / Elaboration of a guide for Health Technology Assessment Centers in the Ebserh network: an experience report

Introdução: A Empresa Brasileira de Serviços Hospitalares (Ebserh) gere 41 hospitais universitários federais (HUFs), atualmente com 36 Núcleos de Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde (NATS). No contexto hospitalar, o NATS desenvolve produtos de avaliação de tecnologias em saúde (ATS) para subsidiar o gestor na tomada de decisões, sendo essencial para a sustentabilidade do Sistema Único de Saúde. A implantação efetiva dos NATS ainda é desafiadora, devido à insuficiência de diretrizes específicas para ATS hospitalar. Objetivo: Relatar atuação do Grupo de Trabalho em ATS (GT-ATS) da Ebserh na elaboração de guia para orientar a estruturação e fortalecimento dos NATS dos HUFs.Relato de Experiência: O GT-ATS foi instituído por portaria, composto por representantes de NATS dos HUFs e da administração central da Ebserh. Inicialmente, fez-se levantamento dos processos envolvendo os NATS, da prática de ATS na Ebserh e foi realizado diagnóstico situacional dos NATS. Em seguida, elaborou-se o guia a partir da expertise dos membros do GT-ATS e das melhores práticas e recomendações sobre ATS hospitalar, identificadas em revisão da literatura. O "Guia para organização e funcionamento dos NATS na Rede Ebserh" foi publicado em março de 2023 no portal eletrônico da Ebserh e inclui contextualização da ATS hospitalar no Brasil, objetivos e escopo de atuação dos NATS da Ebserh, orientações para organização e funcionamento dos núcleos e modelo de regulamento interno. Também foram elaborados modelos de nota técnica, declaração de conflito de interesses, formulário de solicitação e termo de compromisso de confidencialidade. Conclusão: O GT-ATS, por meio do Guia e dos documentos elaborados, contribuiu para institucionalização, harmonização e implementação dos processos de ATS nos hospitais da Ebserh, respeitando a heterogeneidade dos contextos e níveis de maturidade dos NATS. O trabalho colaborativo dentro do GT-ATS permitiu articulação de saberes interdisciplinares e práticas interinstitucionais, ampliando a dimensão, alcance e efetividade das ações de ATS.

Introduction: The Brazilian Hospital Services Company (Ebserh) manages 41 federal university hospitals (HUFs), currently with 36 Health Technology Assessment Centers (NATS). In the hospital context, NATS develop health technology assessment (HTA) products to help managers make decisions and are essential for the sustainability of the Unified Health System. The effective implementation of NATS is still a challenge, due to the lack of specific guidelines for hospital HTA. Objective: To report on the work of Ebserh's HTA Working Group (GT-ATS) in drawing up a guide for structuring and strengthening NATS HUFs. Experience Report: The GT-ATS was set up by ordinance, made up of representatives from NATS of HUFs and from Ebserh's central administration. Initially, a survey about the processes involving the NATS and the practice of HTA at Ebserh was carried out to make a situational diagnosis. The guide was then drawn up based on the expertise of the GT-ATS members and the best practices and recommendations on hospital HTA identified in literature review. The "Guide for the organization and operation of NATS in the Ebserh network" was published in March 2023 on Ebserh's electronic portal and includes a contextualization of hospital HTA in Brazil, the objectives and scope of action of Ebserh's NATS, guidelines for the organization and operation of the centers and a model of internal regulations. Templates have also been drawn up for technical note, declaration of conflict of interests, application form and confidentiality agreement. Conclusion: Through the Guide and the documents produced, the GT-ATS contributed to the institutionalization, harmonization and implementation of HTA processes in Ebserh hospitals, while respecting the heterogeneous contexts and maturity levels of the NATS. The collaborative work within the GT-ATS has allowed interdisciplinary knowledge and inter-institutional practices to be brought together, expanding the dimension, scope and effectiveness of HTA actions.

Reversão das recomendações emitidas pela Comissão Nacional de Incorporação de Tecnologias no SUS após Consultas Públicas / Reversal of the recommendations issued by the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies in SUS after Public Consultations

Resumo O trabalho analisou o efeito das Consultas Públicas (CP) e suas contribuições nas recomendações da Comissão Nacional de Incorporação de Tecnologias (CONITEC). Trata-se de estudo descritivo e retrospectivo, com abordagem qualiquantitativa, com fonte de dados secundárias de acesso público, entre 2012 e 2017. Elaborou-se banco de dados para caracterizar as CP de medicamentos e suas contribuições, o que permitiu identificar casos de reversões entre a recomendação preliminar e final da CONITEC. Analisou-se as contribuições nos casos de reversão para caracterização de eixos argumentativos e tipo de embasamento. Das 307 demandas de incorporação, 205 destes passaram por CP, com 23.894 contribuições. A reversão das recomendações ocorreu em 9% das CP abertas (15 medicamentos), todas no sentido da não incorporação para incorporação. Principais eixos argumentativos trataram de benefícios clínicos e menores eventos adversos, prevalecendo o envio de experiências clínicas e opiniões. Evidencia-se avanços nos processos de incorporação de tecnologias no SUS pela realização da CP e ficou claro o desafio que os tomadores de decisão enfrentam nos espaços institucionais para o aprimoramento da participação social no sentido de fortalecer o benefício público.

Abstract The work analyzed the effect of Public Consultations (PC) and their contributions to the recommendations of the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies (CONITEC). This is a descriptive and retrospective study with a qualitative-quantitative approach using a secondary data source of public access, between 2012 and 2017. A database was developed to characterize the PC of medications and their contributions, which allowed the identification of cases of reversals between the preliminary and final recommendation of CONITEC. We analyzed the contributions in cases of reversal for characterization of argumentative axes and type of basis. Of the 307 demands for incorporation of medications, 205 went through PC, with 23,894 contributions. The reversal of the recommendations occurred in 9% of the open PC (15 medications), all in the sense of non-incorporation for incorporation. Main argumentative axes dealt with clinical benefits and minor adverse events, with prevalence of the submission of clinical experiences and opinions. Advances in the processes of incorporation of technologies in the SUS by performing PC were found and the challenge that decision makers face in institutional spaces for the improvement of social participation to strengthen the public benefit was clear.

Supporting Decisions of the Brazilian Regulatory Agency for Supplementary Healthcare: A Case Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to report implementation and partial results of the project "Supporting the Brazilian regulatory agency for supplementary healthcare through health technology assessment actions" conducted at Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brazil, from 2020 to 2023, through Programa de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Institucional do Sistema Único de Saúde, a Brazilian Ministry of Health initiative. METHODS: This was a case study conducted at Health Technology Center, Hospital Sírio-Libanês. RESULTS: From its inception, in 2020, to July 2022, the following activities and products were completed: 59 technical-methodological reports assessing the efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness, and budget impact of technologies received by Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar (ANS) to compose its catalog of drugs products and services; 50 analyses of society contributions from public consultation; 34 methodological or clinical tutorial sessions to support ANS team; 2 templates to systematize the update process of ANS catalog; and one training course on systematic reviews and meta-analysis for ANS team. CONCLUSION: The project has contributed to increasing ANS autonomy in the health technology assessment, collaborating to efficiency in technologies offer to the users. By adopting and fostering evidence-based knowledge construction, the project reinforces its bridging role for supporting the consonance between public and supplementary healthcare sectors in Brazil.

Interações entre regulação sanitária e Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde para cobertura em sistemas de saúde e a integralidade do cuidado / Interactions between health regulation and Health Technology Assessment for coverage in health systems and comprehensive care

Resumo Este estudo analisa as interações entre os processos regulatórios e de avaliação de tecnologias de saúde (ATS) voltados para a cobertura dos sistemas de saúde. Foi realizada revisão em cinco bases de dados visando identificar experiências de articulação entre processos regulatórios e processos de ATS, sendo incluídas 19 publicações. Quanto ao tipo de processo, destacaram-se o early dialogue, scientific advice e parallel advice como forma de interação entre ATS e regulação. Os estudos abordaram a interação entre a ATS e a regulação sanitária para as políticas de cobertura de medicamentos em sistemas de saúde, sendo escassas as evidências em relação a outros produtos. Ademais, essa interação é descrita basicamente para o que se refere à entrada de novas tecnologias nos sistemas de saúde. A interação entre ATS e regulação sanitária resultou na redução de prazos para a comercialização e incorporação da tecnologia nos sistemas de saúde. Os tipos de processo de interação identificados podem apresentar benefícios para todo o sistema de saúde, aumentando a cobertura e a integralidade do cuidado, entretanto, apesar dos avanços, ainda persistem barreiras para a interação entre agências reguladoras e a gestão de sistemas de cobertura.

Abstract This study analyzes the interactions between regulatory and health technology assessment (HTA) processes aimed at health systems coverage. A review was carried out in five databases to identify experiences of articulation between regulatory processes and HTA processes, and 19 publications were selected. Regarding the type of process, early dialogue, scientific advice and parallel advice stood out as forms of interaction between HTA and regulation. The studies addressed the interaction between HTA and health regulation for medicines coverage policies in health systems, with scant evidence in relation to other products. Furthermore, this interaction is basically described according to the entry of new technologies into health systems. The interaction between HTA and health regulation resulted in reduced deadlines for the commercialization and incorporation of the technology into health systems. The types of interaction processes identified can benefit the entire health system, increasing coverage and comprehensiveness of care. However, despite advances, some barriers to interaction between regulatory agencies and the management of coverage systems still persist.