Dr Melissa Kapoor, Health Economist at JB Medical, attended the meeting to ensure JB Medical has latest understanding of these different perspectives. After all, market access is predicated on being able to present evidence of benefit to all these different stakeholders.

The meeting opened with an excellent session by Dr Chris Pomfrett, Clinical Scientist and Technical Advisor at NICE. The focus of his session was an analysis of the medical technologies that have been considered for assessment by the NICE Medical Technologies Programme (which creates guidance to the NHS on adoption of medical devices and diagnostics). Key points included that of the 186 technologies that had been proposed for assessment by manufacturers, 21% were ineligible for assessment. Of those that were eligible, 47% were ultimately selected for NICE guidance. Having randomised control trials evidence of benefits and outcomes is not associated with a positive Programme outcome, but cohort studies, surveys and cost-analyses are. Sustainability benefits such as less waste and reduced travel have not had a large bearing on assessment outcomes in the past, but Dr Pomfrett said he could imagine that this issue might be more important to assessment committees in the future.

Other meeting sessions focussed on patient reported outcome measures, the importance of accurate data and correct interpretation when assessing care outcomes and the viewpoint from a founding member of NICE’s Medical Technologies Advisory Committee.

JB Medical prides itself on having the latest understanding of medical technologies market access. If you require support to understand what evidence of clinical and cost benefits will be required for your medical technology, or if you need help to analyse existing evidence or to submit evidence to NICE or another influential market access stakeholder, JB Medical would be delighted to speak to you.