Research by European Health Technology Institute confirms value of many orthopaedic devices

Brussels, 29 October 2012 - Eucomed, the European Medical Technology Industry Association, welcomes the results of initial research by the European Health Technology Institute for Socio-Economic Research (EHTI) in partnership with the London School of Economics (LSE) and the University of York into the socio-economic value of orthopaedic devices. The systematic literature review not only confirms the benefits to patients of these devices in terms of Quality of Life (QoL), but also their good value-for-money and in some cases their cost-effectiveness. At the same time, the research points out the need to further assess the socio-economic value to capture the full value of orthopaedic devices adequately. The research concludes that to adequately assess the value of these devices, it is important to take into consideration the unique characteristics of medical technology with their iterative technological improvements and learning curve, the fact that certain populations will see more benefits and that the value delivered is highly dependent on the patient adherence.

Orthopaedic devices are continuously seeing technological advancements which allow people to stay active and mobile longer, positively impacting patient's Quality of Life. While not all innovations have immediately benefitted people, the systematic literature review carried out by LSE finds that in all examined cases treatments using innovative orthopaedic devices lead to better health outcomes. Aside from the benefits in terms of health outcomes, decision makers are more and more requesting evidence on the socio-economic value of these devices, and medical technology at large. In its Contract for a Healthy Future, the medical technology industry recognises this need and the research by EHTI is a first step in demonstrating that improved health outcomes can be achieved while delivering cost-effective solutions.

"Orthopaedic devices such as knee and hip implants, or hip protectors have the potential to improve people's lives. They allow for greater mobility, faster return to an active, independent lifestyle and reduced risk of future fractures to name but a few benefits. At the same time,  the research demonstrated that using these devices has the potential to provide good value for money  and  in case of hip protectors even being cost-saving .  In order to understand fully the socio-economic benefits  of orthopaedic devices, additional research is ongoing by EHTI", Yves Verboven, EHTI's Executive Director commented on the publication of the research.

The research has been published in the journal "Orthopaedic Research and Reviews and can be downloaded here.

 
About Eucomed
Eucomed is the European medical technology industry association. Its mission is to make modern, innovative and reliable medical technology available to more people. Eucomed represents directly and indirectly 22,500 designers, manufacturers and suppliers of medical technology used in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and amelioration of disease and disability. Small and medium sized companies make up more than 80% of this sector. The European medical technology industry generates annual sales of €95 billion, invests some €7.5 billion in R&D and employs around 500,000 highly skilled workers. For more information visit www.eucomed.org

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Thomas Lindemans
Senior Communications Officer

E: thomas.lindemans@eucomed.org
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