In recent years, the use of economic information has become increasingly important to decision makers in the health care industry and can be a crucial factor in obtaining market access for a health technology. Providers, payers and regulators frequently demand that companies developing and marketing health technologies provide economic outcomes data demonstrating the value of new and existing interventions. This requirement is often called the Fourth Hurdle.

The changing market for health technologies now contains a wide variety of customers – regulators, payers, providers and patients. Outcomes research can demonstrate the benefits of an intervention from the perspective of each of these customer groups. For example, in England and Wales, companies can be asked to demonstrate to the National Institute for Health Clinical Excellence (NICE) that interventions are cost effective. Similar restrictions on reimbursement or access to the market exist in many other countries.

At Fourth Hurdle Consulting, we specialise in the application of economics to health care. We offer flexible, responsive and efficient services tailored to meet the demands of health care decision-makers and the specific needs of the health technology industry. Our robust track record in this field: We are solution-focused and geared towards delivering value for money to our clients.

By bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to complex health care and economic issues, Fourth Hurdle Consulting can assist strategic decision-making processes. In addition, through aegisnet; the International Network for Health Care Research, and an extensive network of academic experts and consultants, we offer a global integrated service which includes high level capabilities in clinical research, statistical analysis and epidemiology.

Fourth Hurdle Consulting offers a comprehensive portfolio of services including:
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• Outcomes research
• Health economic and outcomes research strategies
• Pricing support
• Economic modelling
• Economic evaluations
• NICE and SMC submissions
• Pricing and reimbursement environment analysis
• Health Outcomes Assessment Dossiers
• Training in health economics and outcomes research
• Prospective and retrospective data collection, including database research