Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-5-2023
Publication Title
International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care
Abstract
Background: Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) of Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS) face several challenges in assessing the value of robotic surgical platforms. As a result of using different assessment methods, previous HTAs have reached different conclusions when evaluating RAS. While the number of available systems and surgical procedures is rapidly growing, existing frameworks for assessing MedTech provide a starting point, but specific considerations are needed for HTAs of RAS to ensure consistent results. This work aimed to discuss different approaches and produce guidance on evaluating RAS. Methods: A consensus conference research methodology was adopted. A panel of 14 experts was assembled with international experience and representing relevant stakeholders: clinicians, health economists, HTA practitioners, policy makers and industry. A review of previous HTAs was performed and 7 key themes were extracted from the literature for consideration. Over 5 meetings, the panel discussed the key themes and formulated consensus statements. Results: A total of 98 previous HTAs were identified from 25 total countries. The 7 key themes were Evidence Inclusion & Exclusion, Patient & Clinician Reported Outcomes, the Learning Curve, Allocation of Costs, Appropriate Time Horizons, Economic Analysis Methods, and Robotic Ecosystem/Wider benefits. Conclusions: Robotic surgical platforms are tools, not therapies. Their value varies according to context and should be considered across therapeutic areas and stakeholders. The principles set out in this paper should help HTA bodies at all levels to evaluate RAS. This work may serve as a case-study for rapidly developing areas in MedTech that require particular consideration for HTAs.
PubMed ID
37272397
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Erskine, J.; Abrishami, P.; Charter, R.; Cicchetti, A.; Culbertson, R.; Faria, E.; Hiatt, J. C.; Khan, J.; Maddern, G.; Patel, A.; Rha, K. H.; Shah, P. C.; Sooriakumaran, P.; Tackett, S.; Turchetti, G.; and Chalkidou, A., "BEST PRACTICE CONSIDERATIONS ON THE ASSESSMENT OF ROBOTIC-ASSISTED SURGICAL SYSTEMS: RESULTS FROM AN INTERNATIONAL CONSENSUS EXPERT PANEL" (2023). School of Medicine Faculty Publications. 1066.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/som_facpubs/1066
10.1017/S0266462323000314