Digital Therapeutics Transform Health Technology Assessments Globally
Washington, Monday, 13 October 2025.
Recent discussions emphasize the pivotal role of digital therapeutics in reshaping health technology assessments, with the CATCH framework highlighting child-focused evaluation for better healthcare outcomes.
Introduction to Digital Therapeutics in HTA
Digital therapeutics are revolutionizing health technology assessments (HTA), particularly through frameworks like the Comprehensive Assessment of Technologies for Child Health (CATCH). This child-focused framework ensures that digital therapeutic solutions are evaluated not just for their clinical effectiveness but also for their impact on children’s quality of life and overall well-being [1].
The Role of the CATCH Framework
The CATCH framework, discussed extensively at recent conferences such as ISPOR Europe 2025, provides a structured approach to evaluating pediatric health technologies. It incorporates a variety of criteria, including effectiveness, therapeutic safety, and quality-of-life impacts, to ensure holistic assessments [1]. Developed through a collaborative process involving public engagement and expert validation, CATCH highlights the importance of including diverse perspectives in HTA [1].
Global Implications and Challenges
As digital therapeutics continue to advance, their integration into healthcare systems poses both opportunities and challenges. The global healthcare landscape is increasingly focused on adopting these technologies, yet there is a noticeable lag in their widespread implementation due to barriers such as insufficient evidence and resource constraints [2]. At the ISPOR conference, experts emphasized the need for robust evidence and methodologies to support these innovations [2].
Future Directions and Conclusions
Looking forward, the expansion of frameworks like CATCH to cover a broader range of conditions highlights the potential for digital therapeutics to transform healthcare delivery globally. The ongoing development of generalized versions of CATCH aims to apply these principles to other pediatric conditions, underscoring the commitment to improving child health outcomes worldwide [1]. As stakeholders continue to deliberate over these frameworks, the integration of digital therapeutics is likely to play a crucial role in shaping future healthcare models [2].