A new assessment framework will complement the LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools. The ICER-PHTI Assessment Framework for Digital Health Technologies determines whether certain technology solutions improve health and lower costs.

The Peterson Health Technology Institute (PHTI) and the Institute for Clinical and Economic Research (ICER) partnered to develop the framework, which launched in September. The organizations have expertise in evaluating healthcare solutions, technologies, and pricing.

Framework Offers an Additional Tool for Evaluating Tech Solutions

Like the CAST Technology Selection Tools, PHTI’s technology evaluations will help providers and health plans to understand the impact and effectiveness of new technology solutions, according to a PHTI statement. The framework will review the clinical benefits and economic impact of new technologies, prioritizing technologies that replace or augment traditional care delivery, said the statement.

Examples include digital therapeutics, chronic care management apps, remote patient monitoring, and administrative technologies, many of which include artificial intelligence. A followup article in McKnight’s Senior Living notes that the first reports will focus on diabetes and musculoskeletal disorders.

The assessment framework will also look at the technologies’ effects on health equity, privacy, and security.

The framework was developed with evidence-based standards and involved experts in health technology assessment, clinical care delivery, health economics, and patient perspectives, said the statement.

 Understanding the New Framework and CAST Tools

The new assessment can be used along with the 10 LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools, which help providers understand technologies on the market and choose the solution that best meets their organization’s needs. 

First, use the CAST tools to narrow down technology solutions and identify the top two or three that are the best fit for your organization. Then use the ICER-PHTI assessment framework to further evaluate the top choices. The framework will give input on the benefits and economic impact of each solution.

 Each of the LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools includes

• A white paper with background on the technology,
• A selection matrix that lists each product’s features and functionalities,
• An interactive online selection tool to help providers narrow their choices from the products included in the tool, and
• Case studies that share providers’ best practices in using the technology.

The CAST tools cover technologies related to Electronic Health Records, Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring, Medication Management, Functional Assessment and Activity Monitoring, Shared Care Planning and Coordination, Social Connectedness and Engagement, Safety, Health Information Exchange (HIE), Data Analytics, and Infection Control.