Identifying features and strategies for enhancing the optimal national model for the development of health-related technologies

Background and aims: National and international medical agencies have developed innovative methods to expedite the market entry of promising new technologies and enable early patient access. By adopting insights from experts, key informants, and stakeholders in the field of medical equipment, the present study aimed to identify the most critical features of a national model for developing health-related technologies. Methods: This study was conducted over a six-month period in 2023. Firstly, all documents related to the national model for developing health-related technologies, including regulations, standards, licenses, structures, procedures, and processes, were precisely reviewed by the research team. Subsequently, the strengths and weaknesses of the mentioned model were extracted from these documents. Next, a two-round Delphi technique was applied to identify additional features. More than four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted by the research team to determine solutions for the improvement of the national model. After that, the Delphi method was applied again to collect further suggestions. Results: Most participants emphasized the importance of developing and implementing supportive strategies. Key findings included strengths of the ongoing process, challenges in marketing medical equipment nationally, policy-making and management aspects, and suggestions to improve processes. Conclusion: While policymakers’ and health managers’ efforts are welcomed, such achievements will be ineffective if micro and macro programs are overlooked.