Published: International journal of technology assessment in health care, 2020
Objective
Gather health technology assessment (HTA) experts’ insights on the desirability and acceptability of treatment-sequencing models applied to relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
Data source/study setting
Primary data.
Study design
In-depth double-blind semi-structured telephone interviews.
Data collection/extraction methods
General themes were extracted from qualitative interviews.
Principal findings
Although experts confirmed the importance of evaluating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of treatments as part of a sequence, the current HTA decision making framework is not conducive to this. Developing an RRMS treatment-sequencing model that meets HTA requirements is difficult, in particular due to scarcity of effectiveness data in later treatment lines.
Conclusions
At present, a treatment-sequencing model for RRMS may be desirable yet not requested by HTA bodies for their decision making. However, there could be other areas where a treatment-sequencing model for RRMS is of use.
Keywords
Health technology assessment; Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis; Treatment switching; Treatment-sequencing model.
