Health Technology Assessment & Implementation
“With our strong focus on methodology of outcome measurement, quantification of costs and disease burden, and evaluation of interventions, our work is instrumental for the optimization of evidence-based care and prevention”
Our work consists of a unique combination of health-economic, epidemiologic and behavioral research, and of methods development and implementation research. The aim of our work is to simultaneously optimize health outcomes of patients by improving treatment, while containing or reducing healthcare costs. Three major pillars of our work are: a) improvement and application of methods to measure outcomes (quality of life, burden of disease, costs and efficiency), b) to perform health technology assessment studies, and c) to study the implementation and evaluation of (preventive) interventions within health care. With our strong focus on methodology of outcome measurement, quantification of costs and disease burden, and evaluation of interventions, our work is instrumental for the optimization of evidence-based care and prevention. Our primary area of application is the field of trauma and we collaborate with many clinical departments within the Erasmus MC, national and international institutes.
Highlights
of Health Technology Assessment & Implementation in 2020
Popcorn I and II study
COVID-19 is an infectious disease that has resulted in an ongoing pandemic. Apart from the direct health impacts resulting from the actual COVID-19 infection itself, several studies showed an increase in psychological distress in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Population health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (POPCORN) study is a longitudinal study that aims to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-related quality of life and mental well-being of the general population in nine countries. The study generates knowledge about protective factors and vulnerable groups for poor health-related quality of life and mental well-being. Preliminary results showed that stringency of government response (e.g. lockdown strategies) had opposite effects on health-related quality of life and mental well-being. This insight will support policy-makers to make well-informed and evidence-based decisions with regards to lockdown strategies and other measures against COVID-19 that rule daily life during pandemics.
Q-Fever long term outcome study
The largest Q-fever outbreak ever worldwide occurred in the Netherlands, resulting in at least 4,000 cases of acute Q-fever. A lack of knowledge on the long-term consequences. We studied health symptoms, fatigue, health-related quality of life, social/work participation, health care use and satisfaction with care up to 10 years after infection in 500 Q-fever patients. Long-term health consequences are considerable. Fatigue (91%), concentration problems, physical exhaustion and joint pain were the most prevalent health problems. Approximately 25% experienced difficulties with leisure time, household and social contacts. More than one third stopped working. The majority were unsatisfied with the received quality of care. This study highlights the impact of Q-fever in the long term. The outcomes of our study may help improve healthcare, societal functioning and work status. The results were presented to the minister of VWS and supported the decision to finance a Q-support 2.0 organisation structurally.
