Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in Innovative Neurosurgical Care at EUR

Innovative minimally invasive technologies are rapidly changing neurosurgical care. Emerging interventions, including minimally invasive treatment of intracerebral haemorrhage and chronic subdural haematoma, minimally invasive brain tumour surgery, and focused ultrasound-enhanced liquid biopsy for brain tumours, have the potential to improve patient outcomes and increase the efficiency of neurosurgical care pathways. However, evidence regarding their clinical value, cost-effectiveness, and implementation requirements remains limited.

This interdisciplinary four-year PhD project, embedded within the European Innovative Health Initiative (IHI)-funded project SEamless Integration of image guidance to break down the barrierS and enhance the efficiency of Minimally Invasive and hybrid neurosurgical care (SESIMIC), aims to evaluate and facilitate the implementation of these emerging technologies. The project combines methodologies from Health Technology Assessment (HTA), health economics, and implementation science.

Using a mixed-methods approach, the PhD candidate will conduct early health economic evaluations, decision-analytic modelling, and analyses of operating room efficiency and care pathways. In addition, qualitative studies with clinicians, patients, healthcare managers, and industry partners will identify barriers and facilitators to successful implementation and large-scale adoption.

The project will generate evidence on the clinical, organisational, and economic value of innovative neurosurgical technologies and provide recommendations to support their sustainable and evidence-based integration into routine neurosurgical care.

Click here for the full job description and application procedure.
Submission is possible until 16 August 2026