The Value of Treatment (VOT) for brain disorders is a health economics and outcomes research project addressing all brain disorders and coordinated by EBC. Brain disorders – both neurological and mental alike – constitute a major factor, alongside cancers and cardiovascular diseases, driving the overall burden of diseases in Europe. Neurological and psychiatric disorders across all lifespans are the leading cause of poor health and disability in Europe. The conclusions of the VOT research project first round released in 2017 (which included case studies on disorders ranging from schizophrenia to Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, headache, normal pressure hydrocephalus, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, restless legs syndrome and stroke) highlighted the need for more research, early, if possible prodromal, diagnosis and intervention, integrated seamless care underpinning timely care pathways as a solution to address value-based health care in Europe and access to the best treatments available.
Value of Treatment (VOT 2): a second round of case studies
In the continuity of these conclusions and in the framework of the VOT research, a second round of case studies (VOT2) have been developed on new therapeutic areas focusing on rare diseases (Ataxia, Dystonia and Phenylketonuria) and mental disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder). The study to be finalised in 2021 is focusing on “early intervention, bridging the gaps and achieving seamless, coordinated care”, and the objective is to examine health gains resulting from optimized healthcare interventions in comparison with current care or no treatment, and converge data evidence to policy recommendations on how to improve the care pathway(s). Previous joint working sessions aimed to exchange and build synergy between the research-work and DG Sante Rare diseases European Reference Networks (ERNs) programme and research as well as the PECUNIA project from the EU Framework on mental health and well-being. Beyond the research design and considering current context, the impact of COVID-19 on treatment and healthcare transformation is also explored.
The European Brain Council (EBC) is pleased to invite you for the Value of Treatment 2 (VOT 2) Synthesis Meeting, to be held virtually on 8 June 2021 (13:00-17:00 CET). Experts participating in the research will present a synthesis of the results so far and examine the most critical issues in brain diseases in Europe from different perspectives including policymakers, innovators, academia and industry, medical professionals and patient organisations.
