OHE / Themes / Value, Affordability, and Decision Making

Value, Affordability, and Decision Making

Efficient allocation of healthcare budgets requires a clear understanding of whether interventions deliver good value for money. Resource-allocation decisions should therefore follow structured, transparent, and evidence-based processes that consider value, equity, and affordability.

OHE advances innovative methodologies and drives international, policy-focused research to address these core dimensions . We provide evidence in support of robust, systematic, and comprehensive value assessments within healthcare systems, including Health Technology Assessment (HTA), and across other sectors.

Overall purpose of this research theme

To support systematic, fair, and evidence-based decision-making processes for resource allocation in healthcare.

Policy objectives

  • Advance the development of novel value frameworks. 
  • Inform HTA methods and processes.
  • Guide the purpose and role of HTA.
  • Strengthen knowledge transfer and guidance for decision-makers. 

Around the World in HTAs

White sail-shaped roofs of the Sydney Opera House against a clear blue sky.

Around the World in HTAs: Australia – The lucky country’s waiting game

Australia’s HTA system was one of the world’s first, but outdated methods mean patients now wait an average of 466 days for subsidised access to new medicines. We look at the 2024 HTA Review and whether its reforms can close the gap.

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Aerial view of a large waterfall cascading into a winding river surrounded by dense green rainforest and bridges nearby.

Around the World in HTAs: Zimbabwe – Seizing a window of opportunity

Zimbabwe has an opportunity to embed health technology assessment (HTA) into its health system as it works towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. Currently, the country provides access to just 55% of the benchmarked essential health services.

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Colorful red and yellow steps descending a narrow street with bunting, murals on the wall, and potted evergreens along the sides.

Around the World in HTAs: Spain – Closer than ever, but not quite yet

Spain has introduced its first national legal framework for health technology assessment (HTA) through Royal Decree 415/2026. It is a significant step forward, but the system is still being built.

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Limestone and glass museum by a reflective turquoise pool at sunset with a latticed dome roof (Louvre Abu Dhabi).

Around the world in HTAs: Abu Dhabi – Advancing HTA and value-based healthcare in the UAE

Abu Dhabi is taking important steps to strengthen the use of HTA in healthcare decision-making, with the publication of its HTA guidelines in 2025 marking an important milestone.

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Take a closer look at global HTA systems

Our latest content on this theme

White sail-shaped roofs of the Sydney Opera House against a clear blue sky.

Around the World in HTAs: Australia – The lucky country’s waiting game

Australia’s HTA system was one of the world’s first, but outdated methods mean patients now wait an average of 466 days for subsidised access to new medicines. We look at the 2024 HTA Review and whether its reforms can close the gap.

Abstract splash of rainbow colors swirled across a white canvas, with thick textured strokes and marbled patterns.

The economic burden of overweight and obesity in Europe

Effective obesity strategies require action across government and society, and a broader approach to evaluating their costs and benefits.

Aerial view of a large waterfall cascading into a winding river surrounded by dense green rainforest and bridges nearby.

Around the World in HTAs: Zimbabwe – Seizing a window of opportunity

Zimbabwe has an opportunity to embed health technology assessment (HTA) into its health system as it works towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. Currently, the country provides access to just 55% of the benchmarked essential health services.

Low-angle view of tall glass skyscrapers reaching up into a clear blue sky with a bit of greenery at the bottom edge.

Compared to what? How the choice of comparator affects new medicines

Comparator choice shapes health technology assessment: it sets the benchmark a new medicine is assessed against, driving both patient access and where firms invest in R&D. We consider five theoretical comparator examples and, for each, assess the implications of comparator selection on access, launch decisions and innovation incentives for new medicines.

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