Health technology assessment in head and neck cancer: (Cost-)effectiveness evaluation is key to implementation of innovation and rehabilitation

Head and neck cancer disease often has a detrimental impact on patients’ physical and psychosocial functioning. Access to (innovative) treatment and rehabilitation care is of importance to regain quality of life of patients and societal participation. Unfortunately, effective access to care is not always provided to patients (inter)nationally. Ann-Jean Beck has investigated patient access to innovative technologies in Europe including essential influencing factors (barriers and facilitators), and has conducted cost-effectiveness analyses of treatment and rehabilitation in the head and neck cancer field. From this dissertation, recommendations – reflected in 7 key points – come forth for policy and clinical decision-making with the goal to optimize patient access to innovation and rehabilitation.