A Mixed-Methods Panel on the Uptake of New Medical Technologies for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in the United Arab...

Background Advancements in medical technologies can result in new treatment options. To better understand the complexities that clinicians and manufacturers navigate when new medical technologies are introduced in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), water vapor thermal therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was used as a case study. Methods This mixed-methods Delphi study included a panel of nine expert urologists practicing in the UAE. Two anonymous online surveys were completed, followed by an in-person meeting. Consensus statements were developed and graded using a nine-point scale, where 1.0 indicated complete agreement, and 9.0 indicated complete disagreement. Results Thirteen consensus statements were developed. After two rounds of voting, a strong consensus (range: 1.1-1.8) was reached for all statements. It emerged that no single technology was the best for all patients with BPH (score: 1.2) and that the generation of local data (score: 1.2) and Gulf region-specific adaptation of international guidelines (score: 1.6) would facilitate the integration of new technologies in the UAE. The panel stressed the need for manufacturers and suppliers to work closely with local authorities to support clinician and patient education (score: 1.2). Statements related to reimbursement strategies were also discussed. Conclusions The study highlights the importance of regional adaptation of international guidelines, physician and patient education, and collaboration in emerging markets. The panel emphasized patient-specific decision-making, access to treatment, and the role of data-driven reimbursement pathways. Future studies should address regional data gaps to refine strategies for adopting new medical technologies in the UAE and other emerging markets.