Poster EHMA 2024: Towards a comprehensive framework for assessing and adopting genomics innovations in cancer across Europe

Abstract 

Context:

The health-tech sector has made significant strides in cancer healthcare, leading to wide improvements in 
diagnostic technologies & treatments. Notably, genomics has advanced cancer services comprehensively. Despite 
progress, implementation across EU health systems poses challenges in equity, accessibility, and sustainability which 
are addressed in the EU's Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP). The EBCP funded Can.Heal project (EU-funded GA: 101080009) 
plays a pivotal role in developing genomics use cases and needed infrastructure, both for public health as well as 
clinical applications, and aligned with the plan's initiatives. It focuses on ELSI requirements, training, liquid biopsy 
standards, and evaluation frameworks for value-based innovations in public health genomics and clinical diagnostics
& treatments.

Methods:

The Can.Heal project envisioned a specialised task force comprising three institutions each focused 
respectively on one of the evaluation dimensions: equity, innovation adoption & scale-up readiness (IASR), and Dynamic 
Multidimensional Impact Assessment (DMIA). This effort aimed to create a unique and innovative framework for 
assessing the adoption of value-based innovations, addressing equity issues, and health technology assessment 
concepts. The collaborative assessment intends to recommend a roadmap for successful adoption and scalability, 
emphasising equity and sustainability within the Can.Heal project and transferable to health-tech ecosystems (Figure 
1). To our knowledge, there aren't similar initiatives ongoing. The framework's primary outcome is a tool, segmented into 
three dimensions and further broken down into domains and subdomains. This structure addresses specific topics 
within each dimension by grouping statements, allowing for a comprehensive set of key actions throughout use cases 
development. Each statement's performance is assessed in defined/planned and executed/delivered categories.

Results:

Crafted meticulously through interactions among members and engagement with stakeholders, the framework 
unfolded in three stages: teams frameworks’ upskilling, basal assessment via questionnaire and follow-up assessment 
based on adherence to tool conclusions. The collected information will be systematically analysed and conclusions 
delivered to use cases teams to enforce it. Grouping statements into dimensions provides a holistic view, and qualitative 
comments enrich the overall perspective (Figure 2). The scoring methodology considers quanti-qualitative aspects. 
This comprehensive approach, involving scores and Can.Heal stakeholders feedback, contributes to crafting a robust 
roadmap. The roadmap will be reassessed to measure adherence to key actions recommendations and track progress.
To evaluate the framework, a set of indicators has been designed and Can.Heal stakeholders sessions are planned to 
assess its functionality, ensuring a thorough examination of its effectiveness.

Discussion:

The evaluation of Can.Heal use cases surpass traditional assessments, focusing on an integral perspective 
for innovative interventions, accelerating their implementation across health systems. The equity perspective ensures 
interventions avoid biases and misrepresentation through collaborating with social experts to address gender, cultural, 
socioeconomic, and religious issues. The DMIA perspective in genomics considers organisational efficiency, data reuse, 
and sample management, beyond clinical and economic aspects. The IASR perspective proposes comprehensive 
actions; ensuring components align with desirability, viability, and feasibility. Noteworthy is Can.Heal's unique 
composition with over 47 public EU-entities fostering innovation. The framework aims to serve as a roadmap, adhering 
to common European principles while accommodating national and regional health ecosystem particularities. 
Evaluating adherence to equity and sustainability, the framework comprehensively addresses these concerns from 
design to delivery. Embracing a value-based healthcare perspective, it measures defined needs, stakeholder 
engagement, and feasibility, outlining an optimal pathway for successful intervention deployment. This Framework can 
support next research steps, and steering towards cost-effective and accessible technologies in oncology.

(https://2024.ehmaconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Abstract-Book-2024.pdf )