Desirability and acceptability of a treatment-sequencing model in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a health technology assessment perspective

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.

Authors M A Piena, O Schoeman, G T Harty, S L Wong

Journal International journal of technology assessment in health care

Therapeutic Area Neurology

Center of Excellence Health Economic Modeling & Meta-analysis

Year 2020

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