### The Growing Use of Real-World Data in HTA Assessments: A Different Perspective
The use of real-world data (RWD) in health technology assessments (HTAs) is a growing trend that offers valuable insights into the real-world effectiveness and usage of healthcare interventions. A recent paper by Che et al. (2024) sheds light on the increasing utilization of RWD in HTA submissions from 2016 to 2023. While RWD can provide valuable information for decision-making, it is essential to understand the challenges and limitations associated with its use.
#### Key Points from the Paper
– Disease registries and electronic health records were the main sources of RWD considered in HTA submissions.
– RWD was primarily used to provide an external control arm for comparisons within single-arm trials and to inform long-term treatment effects.
– Adjustments for potential systematic differences between treatment groups have improved over time, but some submissions still rely on unadjusted treatment comparisons.
– Two-thirds of HTA submissions considered RWD for external control arm analysis only in the base-case scenario.
– Confounding adjustments were performed in the majority of cases, with approaches such as weighting, matching, regression, and simulated treatment comparison.
#### FAQs
##### Q: What are some of the reasons why RWD was not used in certain submissions?
A: In some cases, RWD was deemed inappropriate for extrapolation due to reasons such as short follow-up, inclusion of treatments not observed in UK clinical practice, and key endpoints not collected.
##### Q: How has the use of RWD evolved over time in HTA submissions?
A: There is a trend towards increasing use of RWD in HTA submissions, with improvements in confounding adjustments and a growing recognition of its value in informing healthcare decision-making.
##### Q: What are the main sources of RWD considered in HTA submissions?
A: Disease registries and electronic health records are the primary sources of RWD used in HTA assessments.
#### Conclusion
The use of real-world data in HTA assessments offers valuable insights into the effectiveness and real-world usage of healthcare interventions. While there are challenges and limitations associated with using RWD, advancements in confounding adjustments and a growing recognition of its value in decision-making are driving the increased use of RWD in HTA submissions. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, leveraging RWD in HTA assessments can help inform more informed and evidence-based decision-making processes.
For more information, you can access the full article by Che et al. (2024) [here](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40273-024-01449-w).