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Predictores sociodemográficos y clínicos de la adherencia a los antidepresivos en los trastornos depresivos: una revisión sistemática con un metanálisis
 Featured, News, Other reports

SESCS PUBLICATION: STRATUM project: AI-based point of care computing for neurosurgical 3D decision support tools

Himar Fabelo, Raquel Leon, Emanuele Torti, Santiago Marco, Asaf Badouh, Max Verbers, Carlos Vega, Javier Santana-Nunez, Yann Falevoz, Yolanda Ramallo-Farina, Christian Weis, Ana M Wagner, Eduardo Juarez, Claudio Rial, Alfonso Lagares, Gustav Burstrom, Francesco Leporati, Luis Jimenez-Roldan, Elisa Marenzi, Teresa Cervero, Miquel Moreto, Giovanni Danese, Svitlana Zinger, Francesca Manni, Maria Luisa Alvarez-Male, Miguel A. García-Bello, Lidia García, Jesus Morera, Juan F. Pineiro, Chrysanthi Bairaktari, Beatriz Noriega-Ortega, Bernardino Clavo, Gustavo M. Callico, STRATUM Consortium

ABSTRACT

Integrated digital diagnostics are transforming complex surgical procedures, with brain tumour surgery being among the most challenging. STRATUM, a five-year Horizon Europe-funded project, aims to develop an advanced 3D decision support system leveraging real-time multimodal data processing powered by artificial intelligence. A key innovation of STRATUM is its design as an energy-efficient Point-of-Care computing system, seamlessly integrated into neurosurgical workflows. This system will provide surgeons with real-time, AI-driven insights, enhancing decision-making accuracy and efficiency. By optimizing surgical precision and reducing procedure duration, STRATUM is expected to improve patient outcomes while streamlining resource utilization within European healthcare systems.

You can read the full article here.

 

 

Predictores sociodemográficos y clínicos de la adherencia a los antidepresivos en los trastornos depresivos: una revisión sistemática con un metanálisis
 Featured, News

SESCS PUBLICATION: Exploring digital health tools for depression management in primary health care: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Aïna Fuster-Casanovas, Sonia Moretó Melero, Daniela Cabutto, Carme Carrion, Josep Vidal-Alaball, Estefania Herrera-Ramos, Carles Barcons, Andrea Duarte-Díaz

ABSTRACT

Background

Digital health tools are transforming mental health care, particularly in treating depression, which affects 5 % of the global population and is projected to be the top disease burden by 2030. In primary care, these tools improve accessibility and efficacy, addressing rising mental health demands, especially post-COVID-19.

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of digital health tools for the management of depression within primary care.

Methods

A systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, focusing on digital health tools for reducing depressive symptoms. Controlled trials were included, with RCTs assessed via the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and non-RCTs evaluated using the JBI checklist for quasi-experimental studies. Depressive symptom reduction was the primary outcome.

Results

A total of 29 controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, identifying were web-based platforms, mobile apps, phone calls, text messages, and decision algorithms. The meta-analysis revealed that digital health tools had a significant effect on depressive symptoms (g = −0.22, 95 % CI: −0.37; −0.06, I2 = 79.64 %). At 6 to 12-month follow-up, the random effects meta-analysis showed that digital health tools had a significant effect on depressive symptoms (g = −0.19, 95%CI: −0.29; −0.09, I2 = 53.42 %).

Conclusions

Digital health tools are effective in reducing the symptoms of repression. Symptom severity does not predict suitability for digital treatment, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive approaches and strategies for older adults. Integrating digital interventions into clinical guidelines requires studies like this to support their adoption in real-world practice.

You can read the full article here.

Predictores sociodemográficos y clínicos de la adherencia a los antidepresivos en los trastornos depresivos: una revisión sistemática con un metanálisis
 Featured, News

SESCS PUBLICATION: Guideline for the economic evaluation of medicines: a proposal by the Spanish National Health System’s Advisory Committee for Pharmaceutical Financing

Marta Trapero-Bertran, Juan Oliva, Ferrán Catalá-López, Lidia García-Pérez, Lluís Segú, Emilio Jesús Alegre-del-Rey, Ana Clopés, Félix Lobo, Ana Ortega, Jaume Puig-Junoy

ABSTRACT

In 2023, the General Directorate of Pharmacy of the Ministry of Health commissioned the Advisory Committee on the Financing of Pharmaceuticals for the National Health System (CAPF, Comité Asesor para la Financiación de la Prestación Farmacéutica del Sistema Nacional de Salud) to produce a guideline for the evaluation of the efficiency of medicines. The aim of this methodological note is to present their main points. The guideline includes 17 dimensions that an economic evaluation of medicines must encompass, the design of a reference case, and a checklist for evaluating the methodological quality and reporting. This guideline should serve as a foundational document for reforming the health technologies evaluation processes of the Ministry of Health. The guideline can also assist researchers, public health professionals, health technology companies and decision makers in assessing the validity of findings and conclusions from health economic evaluations.

You can read the full article here.

 

Predictores sociodemográficos y clínicos de la adherencia a los antidepresivos en los trastornos depresivos: una revisión sistemática con un metanálisis
 Featured, News

SESCS PUBLICATION: Scoping review indicates heterogeneous methods for developing and integrating patient decision aids in the context of clinical practice guidelines

Fischer L, Schewe LV, Scheibler F, Wollny R, Schaefer C, Karge T, Langer T, Berghold J, Florez ID, Hutchinson A, Li S, Maes-Carballo M, Munn Z, Perestelo-Perez L, Puljak L, Stiggelbout A, Pieper D

ABSTRACT

Objectives

To review the methods used to develop and integrate patient decision aids (PDAs) based on the recommendations of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).

Study Design and Setting

We conducted a scoping review covering bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase; searched until December 2023), gray literature, references, and expert consultations to identify eligible documents. Documents published from 2000 onwards and describing methods related to guideline-based PDA development or linking CPGs and PDAs were included. Two reviewers independently selected and analyzed the documents. Results were synthesized and presented narratively.

Results

Based on 24 included documents, we categorized their methods into 4 topics. For topic (1), the selection of CPG recommendations for which PDAs are (most) needed, we found a total of 14 selection factors across n = 11 documents, with uncertainty/variability in patient preferences and trade-offs between options being the most frequently mentioned. Topic (2) (n = 24) covers methods for developing and/or updating guideline-based PDAs, such as forming a multidisciplinary development group, using CPGs and their evidence summaries along with other sources as the evidence base, and using digital solutions for semi-automated development and updating. Topic (3) (n = 12) covers methods for PDA quality assessment and/or user testing, such as finalizing and approving the PDAs after a review and feedback process from the CPG group and an iterative user testing process. Topic (4) (n = 20) covers methods for linking CPGs and PDAs, often through digital strategies.

Conclusion

We identified heterogeneous methods for developing and integrating PDAs based on CPG recommendations. Empirical testing is required to determine the most useful and practically feasible (combination of) methods. CPG organizations should focus on establishing adequate methods for linking CPG and PDA development to foster shared decision-making.

You can read the full article here.

 News

Improving Type 1 Diabetes Care: Update of the Clinical Practice Guideline

The Evaluation Service of the Canary Islands Health Service (SESCS) has methodologically coordinated the update of the Clinical Practice Guideline on Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

The guideline is part of the SNS Clinical Practice Guideline Program, coordinated by Guíasalud, and is published in 2026 after addressing a 14-year gap in scientific and technological advances in the management of Type 1 Diabetes.

Funded by the Ministry of Health through RedETS, this update contributes to improving equity, healthcare quality, and patient safety across the Spanish National Health System.

🔗 Read the full guideline

 

 News

World Day of the Fight Against Depression: SESCS’ Key Publications and Projects

💛 Yesterday was the World Day of the Fight Against Depression, and we want to highlight the importance of supporting and caring for mental health. At SESCS, we share some of our work aimed at improving the treatment and follow-up of people with depression:

1️⃣ Validation and selection of criteria for evaluating apps for managing depression: a Delphi study (2025)

2️⃣ Analysis of therapeutic adherence to antidepressants and associated factors in patients with depressive disorder: A population-based cohort study (2025)

3️⃣ Exploring digital health tools for depression management in primary health care: Systematic review and meta-analysis (2025)

4️⃣ Effectiveness of interventions to improve adherence to antidepressant medication in patients with depressive disorders: a cluster randomized controlled trial (2024)

5️⃣ Sociodemographic and clinical predictors of adherence to antidepressants in depressive disorders: a systematic review with a meta-analysis (2024)

Finally, our MENTAL-COST project, where we evaluate the efficiency of treatment and follow-up of patients with mental disorders using real-world data: adherence, variability, and costs.

Predictores sociodemográficos y clínicos de la adherencia a los antidepresivos en los trastornos depresivos: una revisión sistemática con un metanálisis
 Featured, News

SESCS PUBLICATION: Prognostic Factors for Survival in Adults With Burkitt Lymphoma: A Systematic Review

Aythami de Armas-Castellano, Diego Infante Ventura, Tasmania del Pino-Sedeño, Yadira González Hernández, Raúl Quirós, Beatriz León-Salas, Vicente Ribrag, María M. Trujillo Martín, Grupo de trabajo de EuroBlood de la ERN

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a rare and aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Several studies have identified prognostic factors (PFs) for disease progression and mortality among adults with BL. However, there is no consensus on risk stratification based on PFs. This study aims to identify, critically assess, and synthesize the available evidence on PFs for survival in adults with BL.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted. Medline, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to February 22, 2022. Randomized or non-randomized clinical trials and longitudinal observational studies were eligible for inclusion. Reference screening, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment were conducted independently and in duplicate. Publication bias was examined by visual inspection of funnel plots. Meta-analyses were conducted when appropriate using Review Manager 5. The certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE.

Results

The search identified 1119 references. Of these, 76 papers were selected for full-text assessment and 36 studies (N = 10,882) reported in 39 articles were eligible for inclusion. Older age, higher performance status, and central nervous system involvement were associated with poorer overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Black patients exhibited significantly lower OS and relative survival. Bone marrow involvement and higher albumin levels were associated with poorer OS. Treatment with rituximab, and with methotrexate were associated with better OS and PFS.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive and methodologically rigorous evidence review on PFs in adults with BL. Several significant associations of PFs and survival estimates were observed, therefore, providing data to inform treatment decisions and to improve patient care.

 

You can read the full article here.

 News

Heads of HTA Agencies Group (HAG) Meeting: Working Towards a More Efficient and Equitable HTA

Our SESCS Director and President of RedETS, Lilisbeth Perestelo, participated in the Heads of HTA Agencies Group (HAG) meeting, which took place in Copenhagen on November 4, 2025. This European gathering brings together heads of health technology assessment (HTA) agencies to address common challenges and promote collaboration.

During the event, strategic topics discussed included:

The upcoming evaluation of the HTA Regulation (2028).
Legislative reforms in medical devices.
The need to strengthen European collaboration in response to the growing volume and complexity of new health technologies.

The participation of SESCS and RedETS reinforces their commitment to a more efficient, collaborative, and patient-centered HTA, contributing to the development of sustainable and equitable healthcare systems.

 News

Lilisbeth Perestelo, President of RedETS, at the UE-CELAC Summit 2025 in Cartagena de Indias

On November 6 and 7, Lilisbeth Perestelo Pérez, Head of the Evaluation Service of the Canary Islands Health Service (SESCS) and President of the Spanish Network of Health Technology Assessment and SNS Benefits (RedETS), participated in Cartagena de Indias in a high-level event held within the framework of the EU–CELAC Summit 🌎, focused on collaboration for the harmonization and health self-sufficiency of Latin America and the Caribbean.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Health and AECID.

Dr. Perestelo took part in the panel on High-Cost Technologies, sharing strategies to ensure equitable access to innovative health technologies 💉.

Key points highlighted:

Incorporating equity as a cross-cutting criterion in health technology assessment.

Using RedETS’ experience in participation and transparency as a foundation for fairer decision-making in the allocation of public resources.

Equity + Evidence + Shared Governance → the formula to ensure that high-cost innovation truly reaches those who need it most.

 News

Lilisbeth Perestelo (Head of SESCS/President of RedETS) in Diariofarma: Reflections on the XII RedETS Conference

📰 Today, Diariofarma published an interview with Lilisbeth Perestelo, President of the Spanish Network for Health Technology Assessment and Services (RedETS) and Head of the Evaluation Service of the Canary Islands Health Service (SESCS), about the XII RedETS Conference. A look at the collaborative work between agencies and the advances that are transforming health technology assessment.
🔗 You can read the full interview here