PHP153 - KEY STAKEHOLDERS PERCEPTIONS OF HEOR USAGE IN LEBANON

Abstract

Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) can provide information to help healthcare payers determine reimbursement decisions. However, in countries with a short history of developing HEOR such as Lebanon, the status of HEOR use by payers is largely unknown. The main objective of this study was to understand the current use of HEOR data by Lebanese payers in their decision-making process. A survey on Lebanese payers’ utilization of HEOR was conducted in the Lebanese Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (LSPOR) Educational Workshop on February 23rd & 24th, 2018 (https://www.ispor.org/RegionalChapters) and attended by a multidisciplinary audience including pharmaceutical industries, academics, reimbursement bodies and regulatory authorities. The anonymous survey was composed of five close ended questions. The questions were mainly to assess the respondents’ perspectives regarding Lebanese payer utilization of HEOR. Out of 140 attendees, 23 completed questionnaires. The majority of respondents (N=12; 57.1%) were representing pharmaceutical companies; mainly from the market access department. Around 70% (N=14) of the respondents believe Lebanese payers sometimes use HEOR in their decision-making regarding drug/medical technology. The respondents predict the HEOR studies sometimes used are Budget Impact Analysis, Outcomes Research and Cost Effectiveness Analysis (N= 11, 13, 11; 55%, 65%, 55% respectively). The Health-Related Quality of Life is not utilized or considered much in general. Studies using foreign patient clinical data and Lebanese cost data were ranked as the most impactful whereas studies from other MENA countries were least impactful when Lebanese payers make decisions regarding drug/medical technology. Lebanese clinical and economic data is almost always (80% and 95% respectively) lacking and preventing HEOR utilization by Lebanese payers when making decisions regarding drug/medical technology. This study provides evidence to conclude that HEOR practice is used among Lebanese payers but not broadly. Moreover, access to HEOR data is needed in the MENA region, especially Lebanon.