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.