Do reassessments reduce the uncertainty of decision making? Reviewing reimbursement reports and economic evaluations of three expensive drugs over time

ObjectiveTo investigate the desirability and feasibility of a cyclic reimbursement process to address uncertainty accompanying initial decision making.MethodsWe performed desk research for three expensive outpatient drugs: imatinib, pegfilgrastim, and adalimumab. We analysed the evidence base at the time of decision making (T = 0) and May 2011 (T = 1). For T = 0, public reports of the Dutch reimbursement agency were investigated regarding available clinical and economic evidence, and a systematic review was performed to retrieve additional economic evidence. For T = 1, the systematic review was extended till May 2011.ResultsThe evidence base at T = 0 lacked information on clinically relevant outcomes such as mortality, morbidity, and quality of life (5/8 reports), (long-term) adverse events (2/8 reports) and experience in use (1/8 reports). One budget impact analysis and one economic evaluation were available but no pharmacoeconomic dossiers. The systematic review identified 39 cost-utility studies (of 52 economic evaluations) for T = 1, characterised by methodological heterogeneity.ConclusionsGiven the considerable uncertainty accompanying initial decision-making, a more cyclic reimbursement process seems feasible to reduce uncertainty regarding the therapeutical and economical value of expensive drugs. A mandatory evidence development requirement seems desirable to sufficiently meet decision makers' needs.