Project Overview: Health technologies are changing the model of care. In particular, medical devices are the main enablers of modern medicine. Several methods have been proposed to support political decisions regarding medical device in developed countries. Those methods are far from being perfect and are mainly the result of adaptation of methods, developed mainly for drugs, which fail to consider important dimensions that are relevant for medical devices. However, much less has been don for low and middle income countries. For instance, available economic evaluations of medical devices come predominantly from high income countries, and relevant methods and studies are urgently required in less resourced settings.

This research project will focus on development and validation of methods and tools for HTA of medical devices for low and middle income countries. After reviewing existing literature and methods (e.g. multicriteria decision analysis methods) for HTA of medical devices, few case studies will be identified, in collaboration with biomedical engineers working for the WHO or in LIMC (e.g. including Bosnia Herzegovina, South Africa, Mozambique). If relevant, the candidate will have to opportunity to visit those countries to perform field analyses, subject to budget availability, and will be proactively involved in the IFMBE Healthcare Technology Assessment Division (HTAD) activities (http://2016.ifmbe.org/organisation-structure/divisions/htad/).

The idea candidate will be a strongly motivated and independent person with a degree in biomedical engineering, or other relevant field, with relevant professional or research experience in: medical devices design, assessment or management, possibly in LMIC; HTA for clinical evidence, reimbursement, pricing, public procurement or protocol definition; HTA methods, possibly for medical devices and/or LMIC. Experience of mathematical modelling for HTA would be particularly welcome.

For more information, please contact Dr Leandro Pecchia (l.pecchia@warwick.ac.uk) and send a CV and a motivational letter (why do you think you are a good candidate?).

Eligibility: UK or EU candidates with a 1st or 2.1 UK Honours degree in biomedical engineering, or other relevant field, with relevant professional or research experience in: medical devices design, assessment or management, possibly in LMIC; HTA for clinical evidence, reimbursement, pricing, public procurement or protocol definition; HTA methods, possibly for medical devices and/or LMIC.

If you are not graduated in the UK, an Overseas Qualifications in UK Equivalent Scores can be found here: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/entry-requirements/

Funding: one studentship is available and covers 100% tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and standard stipend circa £14,254. Self-Funded PhD applications can be discussed too.