Abstract
Objectives The sandbox approach, developed in the financial technologies sector, creates an environment to collaboratively develop and test innovative new products, methods and regulatory approaches, separated from business as usual. It has been used in health care to encourage innovation in response to emerging challenges, but, until recently, has not been used in health technology assessment (HTA). This article summarizes our learnings from using the sandbox approach to address three challenges facing HTA organizations and to identify implications for the use of this approach in HTA. Methods We identified three challenging contemporary HTA-related topics to explore in a sandbox environment, away from the pressures and interests of live assessments. We convened a pool of 120 stakeholders and experts to participate in various sandbox activities and ultimately co-develop solutions to help HTA organizations respond to the identified challenges. Results Important general learnings about the potential benefits and implementation of a sandbox approach in HTA were identified. Consequently, we developed recommendations to guide its use, including how to implement an HTA sandbox in an effective way and the types of challenges for which it may be best suited. Conclusions For many HTA organizations, it is difficult to carefully consider emerging challenges and innovate their processes due to risks associated with decision errors and resource limitations. The sandbox approach could reduce these barriers. The potential benefits of addressing HTA challenges in a collaborative safe space are considerable.
Original language | English |
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Article number | e44 |
Journal | International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 4 Nov 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© The Author(s), 2024.
Funding
This study was conducted as part of the HTx project. The HTx project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 825162. This dissemination reflects only the author's view and the Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.
Funders | Funder number |
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H2020 Health | 825162 |
European Union |
Keywords
- health technology assessment
- HTA
- innovation
- policy sandbox
- sandbox