Identifying Attributes for a Value Assessment Framework in China: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background Value assessment frameworks (VAFs) are promising tools for measuring the value of health technologies and informing coverage policymaking; however, most published VAFs were developed for high-income countries. This study aimed to identify value attributes as part of the development of a VAF in China. Methods We used the qualitative description approach. Specifically, we conducted open-ended semi-structured interviews with Chinese stakeholders, as well as a review and analysis of publicly available government documents related to health technology assessment (HTA) and coverage policies in China. Conventional content analysis and the constant comparison technique were used to generate value attributes. Multiple criteria were used to determine the inclusion of a value attribute, with response levels of included attributes finalized via consensus meetings among the research team. Results Thirty-four stakeholders living or working in China completed the semi-structured interview. These stakeholders included policymakers ( n = 4), healthcare providers ( n = 8), HTA researchers ( n = 6), patients and members of the general public ( n = 9), and industry representatives ( n = 7). In addition, 16 government documents were included for analysis. Twelve value attributes grouped in eight categories are included in the VAF: (1) severity of disease; (2) health benefit, including survival, clinical outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes; (3) safety; (4) economic impact, including budget impact to payer and patients, and cost effectiveness; (5) innovation; (6) organizational impact; (7) health equity; and (8) quality of evidence. Conclusion These 12 value attributes were identified for the development of a VAF to support health technologies’ value assessment and coverage policymaking in China. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40273-022-01235-6.