Expanding the definition of unmet medical need: Findings from a multistakeholder workshop

Unmet medical need (UMN) is frequently referenced in health policy and health care decision-making, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Drug Price Negotiation Program (DPNP). However, the concept of UMN is often defined inconsistently and has a narrow focus, primarily centered on clinical effectiveness and the availability of treatment. This approach may overlook the wider needs of patients, caregivers, and society as a whole. A broader conceptualization of UMN has been proposed, yet there remains a lack of an actionable implementation framework.