EDiHTA

Programme: Horizon Europe
Project Status: ONGOING (January 2024 – January 2028)

 

The first European Digital Health Technology Assessment framework co-created by all stakeholders along the value chain.  

What aims and scope

The project aims to develop a flexible and inclusive framework for assessing various Digital Health Technologies (DHTs) in European healthcare. EDiHTA framework will be designed to address the challenges posed by the adoption of DHTs, which have the potential to enhance the quality and sustainability of healthcare services in Europe. It pursues the aim of offering a user-friendly and state-of-the-art Health Technology Assessment (HTA) methodology for digital health technologies, ensuring a harmonised approach.  

The project involves a multidisciplinary consortium collaborating with various stakeholders within Europe’s healthcare industry, including HTA agencies, regulatory bodies, policymakers, researchers, clinicians, and healthcare providers and payers.  

How it will become possible 

With the aforementioned aim, EDiHTA partners will work jointly to establish the digital framework validated along seven pilot tests in various major European hospitals across an open piloting scheme with European DHT developers. Additionally, the pilot project test involves several DHTs, such as mobile apps (mApps), telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI), and others. The framework will be defined in all aspects and made accessible and usable through an iterative digital platform that will guide stakeholders over it according to their needs while providing user guidance and methodological support. 

Where EHMA will deliver

EHMA will mainly focus on supporting stakeholder engagement, network building and dissemination activities. Specifically, EHMA ensures widespread awareness of the project and its network, aiming to enhance the visibility of research outcomes. Additionally, EHMA is dedicated to supporting the establishment and implementation of the EDiHTA framework accordingly with the Consortium. This involves a thorough analysis of digital health taxonomy and the development of a stakeholder mapping strategy in collaboration with EUnetHTA, the HTA network. 

In tandem with these initiatives, EHMA will conduct a survey involving at least twenty European decision-makers, seeking insights into their perspectives on the trade-offs between health and environmental outcomes. Furthermore, EHMA will take the lead in organising the final event to showcase the completed EDiHTA framework. 

 

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor HaDEA can be held responsible for them.

WHY YOU WILL BENEFIT

EDiHTA empowers EU citizens to access and use DHTs through common methods, supporting policymakers in value-based decisions.  

The project will produce new knowledge regarding HTA-related EU and national policies and regulations, digital health, health innovations and the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and will gather crucial real-world data in two piloting phases across Europe, with active incorporation of stakeholder feedback.  

A tailored, patient-centric methodology will elevate the rigour and relevance of HTA studies. Professionals will gain access to a comprehensive approach for evaluating digital health technologies. EDiHTA will address limitations in the European HTA environment by harmonising and advancing frameworks, reinforcing the research foundation to keep abreast of digital health advancements. This will expedite secure decision-making, contributing significantly to the sustainability of HTA practices in Europe. Healthcare professionals will benefit from more robust assessments of digital health technologies. 

EDiHTA’s collaborative approach will expedite market access by engaging key stakeholders, amplifying the credibility of the assessment framework. This dedication will foster the adoption of secure digital health technologies for the well-being of EU citizens, ensuring professionals have access to the latest tools and solutions to enhance patient care. 

Aligned with the European Green Deal, EDiHTA’s analysis of environmental factors will guarantee that healthcare professionals are well-informed about the ecological implications of digital health technologies. This knowledge will empower them to make environmentally conscious decisions when selecting and implementing these technologies.

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