The validation of the Needs Examination, Evaluation, and Dissemination assessment framework within the European Union: a modified Delphi study.

The NEED (Needs Examination, Evaluation, and Dissemination) assessment framework was designed to identify and measure unmet health-related needs of patients and society across various health conditions, aiding the development of needs-driven healthcare policy and innovation. The framework consists of 25 needs criteria and 46 associated indicators that assess whether these needs are met or not. This study aims to validate the framework at the European Union (EU) level using a modified Delphi approach.

Identification of health-related needs: The needs examination, evaluation and dissemination (NEED) assessment framework.

Innovation in healthcare is highly supply-driven, leading to underinvestment in less profitable health areas, unmet needs and inefficient use of public resources. This study proposes a framework to structure the identification of health-related patient and societal needs across different health conditions, supporting the evolution towards needs-driven healthcare policy and innovation. The Needs Examination, Evaluation and Dissemination (NEED) assessment framework was based on the results of two systematic literature reviews and stakeholder and expert consultation.