Health Technology Assessment per il Point of Care Testing e il concetto di Value-Based Healthcare nei laboratori clinici

Point of Care Testing has revolutionized the field of medical diagnostics, allowing tests to be performed outside traditional clinical laboratories. However, to ensure the effectiveness and safety of these technologies, rigorous evaluation through Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is essential. This assessment evaluates different aspects, including the clinical, economic, social, and organizational impact of new technologies, providing a multidisciplinary and quantitative framework to support evidence-based decisions. Moreover, integrating the concept of Value-Based Healthcare (VBHC) in clinical laboratories represents a paradigm shift, moving the focus from the volume of tests performed to the quality and effectiveness of the results obtained. This approach encourages laboratories to adopt tests that provide relevant and timely clinical information, thereby improving the patient care pathway. It implies the adoption of strategies that consider the quality of the tests and their effectiveness in the clinical context. Examples of HTA evaluation in Italy include the COVIDIAGNOSTIX project, which evaluated diagnostic devices for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, and the study on biomarkers for mild traumatic brain injury. These studies highlight the importance of HTA in ensuring that adopted technologies are effective, safe, and cost-efficient, supporting the transformation of clinical laboratories towards a value-based model. In conclusion, the adoption of VBHC and the integration of HTA are fundamental to optimizing clinical outcomes and ensuring the efficient use of healthcare resources in clinical laboratories, contributing to the overall improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.