Policy analysis
Policy analysis
IHE helps decision-makers, organisations, and other stakeholders in healthcare turn data and evidence into well-informed policy decisions.
We combine health economic analysis with quantitative and qualitative methods to describe the current situation, identify differences and challenges, and assess possible ways forward. Our work ranges from data collection and analyses to policy recommendations, strategic actions, and communication of results.
IHE offers expertise in areas including:
- international, national, and regional comparisons of health care systems
- analyses of disease burden, costs, resource use, and health care needs
- analyses of access to diagnostics, treatment, medicines, and medical innovation
- mapping of care pathways, clinical guidelines, screening programmes, and policy initiatives
- analyses of inequalities and variations in access to care and health outcomes
- qualitative studies involving clinical experts, decision-makers, patients, and other stakeholders
- development of indicators, benchmarking, and monitoring frameworks
- policy recommendations and strategic action proposals
International experience
IHE has extensive experience in international policy projects and comparative analyses. Our studies cover Sweden and Europe, as well as Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.
We work with clients and organisations at both national and international level and have collaborated with, among others, the OECD, the World Bank, WHO, the European Commission, and the European Parliament.
An important part of our policy work is ensuring that results reach the stakeholders who can put them into practice. IHE experts regularly present analyses and recommendations at international congresses, policy forums, and meetings with decision-makers, including the World Cancer Congress, the World Conference on Lung Cancer, and the ESMO Congress.
Examples of policy projects
Comparator Report on Cancer in Europe
Recurring comparisons of cancer burden, costs, outcomes, and access to treatment across European countries, with a focus on the development of future cancer policy.
https://ihe.se/app/uploads/2025/03/IHE-REPORT-2025_2_.pdf
Access to Oncology Medicines in EU and OECD Countries
Commissioned by the OECD, IHE has analysed access to oncology medicines across EU and OECD countries, highlighting differences in areas such as launch, use, and availability.
Bridging the Gap in Women’s Cancer Care
An international policy initiative on women’s cancers, analysing differences in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and health outcomes across different parts of the world.
https://ihe.se/app/uploads/2025/09/IHE-REPORT-2025_12_.pdf
Regional analyses of cancer care worldwide
IHE has conducted extensive analyses of cancer burden, health care systems, and access to treatment in regions including Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific.
https://ihe.se/app/uploads/2024/05/IHE-REPORT-2024_4_.pdf
https://ihe.se/app/uploads/2021/11/IHE-Report-2021_3_.pdf
https://ihe.se/app/uploads/2024/04/IHE-REPORT-2024_6_.pdf
Cancer care under pressure – improved survival creates new demands
A Swedish analysis of how rising cancer incidence, improved survival, and medical advances affect health care needs, resource use, workforce requirements, and the long-term planning of cancer care.
https://ihe.se/rapport/cancervarden-under-press-okad-overlevnad-staller-nya-krav/
A common feature of these projects is IHE’s combination of robust analysis with clear and actionable conclusions for decision-makers.