Access to precision medicine in Thailand: a comparative study
Issued Date
2022-02-11
Resource Type
ISSN
08574421
eISSN
2586940X
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85115872147
Journal Title
Journal of Health Research
Volume
36
Issue
2
Start Page
275
End Page
288
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Health Research Vol.36 No.2 (2022) , 275-288
Suggested Citation
Jirawutkornkul N. Access to precision medicine in Thailand: a comparative study. Journal of Health Research Vol.36 No.2 (2022) , 275-288. 288. doi:10.1108/JHR-04-2020-0106 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/86115
Title
Access to precision medicine in Thailand: a comparative study
Author(s)
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Purpose: This study explored health insurance coverage of genetic testing and potential factors associated with precision medicine (PM) reimbursement in Thailand. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a targeted review method. Thirteen PMs were selected to represent four PM categories: targeted cancer therapy candidate, prediction of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), dose adjustment and cancer risk prediction. Content analysis was performed to compare access to PMs among three health insurance schemes in Thailand. The primary outcome of the study was evaluating PM test reimbursement status. Secondary outcomes included clinical practice guidelines, PMs statement in FDA-approved leaflet and economic evaluation. Findings: Civil Servant Medical Benefits Scheme (CSMBS) provided more generous access to PM than Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) and Social Security Scheme (SSS). Evidence of economic evaluations likely impacted the reimbursement decisions of SSS and UCS, while the information provided in FDA-approved leaflets seemed to impact the reimbursement decisions of CSMBS. Three health insurance schemes provided adequate access to PM tests for some cancer-targeted therapies, while gaps existed for access to PM tests for serious ADRs prevention, dose adjustment and cancer risk prediction. Originality/value: This was the first study to explore the situation of access to PMs in Thailand. The evidence alerts public health insurance schemes to reconsider access to PMs. Development of health technology assessment guidelines for PM test reimbursement decisions should be prioritized.