Table 3 Qualitative considerations and their impact on the appraisal of LBC by committee members
Contextual criteria* | Should this be considered? Would it impact positively or negatively on value of intervention? |
|---|---|
Impact on future decisions | Decision to fund LBC coverage although not considered cost-effective will be setting a precedent as LBC technology will be expanded to other cytology tests Considered as negative impact on value |
Relationship with pathology providers | Ongoing negotiations with the pathology groups in other areas may be impacted Considered as a positive impact on value |
Impact on screening intervals | Screening interval may be extended to 2 to 3 years than annually Considered as a positive impact on value |
Patient expectation | Health plan members expect that their pap smears will be paid in full and are likely to resist any benefit design which implements a co-payment for a more expensive technology Considered as a negative impact on value |