Value-Based procurement for medical devices: A scoping review

Despite this seemingly simple definition of value in different perspectives, the definition of value-based procurement for medical devices is still unclear. This study aimed to delineate the definition of value-based procurement for medical devices and its characteristics.

According to the systematic method for scoping review described by Arksey and O’Malley, we reviewed related literature through target databases (PUBMED, ProQuest, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct) during 2004-2020. The publications that focused on the procurement of medical devices and address the issue of value in procurement were selected. The publications whose full-text was not available and were not in English were excluded. By using data charting tables, selected articles were reviewed and concepts and definitions were extracted

According to the eligibility criteria and reference checking, 24 documents were selected. There are different definition and understanding for value-based procurement (VBP). Identified characteristics of VBP are information, actors Collaboration, patient experience, value analysis team, ability to evaluate alternatives, value proposition, competitive dialogue, and weighing evaluation criteria.

VBP is a framework that guides the review and decision-making to procure medical devices. In this framework, all dimensions of the value equation (outcome/related costs) must be considered and weighted. Health systems need to work on identified aspects.