CEDAR and the Innovation Framework for Wales
CEDAR is a partner organisation within the Innovation Framework for Wales, a national approach that supports health and social care teams to identify challenges and develop, test, and scale solutions. We contribute expertise in two key areas of the framework: 'Describe, Understand and Define', where we help organisations map problems and explore opportunities; and 'Creating Evidence and Proving Value', where we generate robust, real-world evidence to support the adoption of effective innovation. Visit The Innovation Framework website to learn more about the framework.
Who we are
CEDAR (Centre for Healthcare Evaluation, Device Assessment and Research) is an NHS-academic research centre based within Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Cardiff University. Originally established in 1977 by the UK Department of Health and Social Care to test medical devices, CEDAR has grown into a leading centre for health technology assessment and applied healthcare research. Our multidisciplinary team includes methodologists, health economists, statisticians, qualitative researchers, systematic reviewers and clinicians.
What we do
CEDAR provides independent, high-quality evaluation and research across a range of areas including evidence reviews, clinical trials, service evaluations and health economic analysis. Our expertise also spans patient-reported outcomes, data linkage, statistical modelling, and qualitative research. We advise on regulatory processes and specialise in engaging patients and the public in research, including evaluating wider impacts through Social Return on Investment (SROI). We support local and national health bodies, including NICE and the Welsh Value in Health Centre, to deliver evidence-based innovation and improvement.
Describe, Understand & Define
We begin by working with teams to map current activities, service delivery models and resource use - capturing what services are delivered, by whom, where, and with what facilities or equipment. We also assess associated costs and review how performance is measured, using both qualitative and quantitative data to identify strengths, gaps and variation.
To develop a fuller understanding of the context, we use a range of methods including stakeholder interviews, staff and service user engagement, data analysis and process mapping. Our evaluations aim to explore not just what is happening, but the factors that are influencing outcomes - whether operational, structural or behavioural. Where useful, we use tools such as logic models and visual mapping techniques to support this process.
We also facilitate workshops and structured discussions to help teams clarify their aims, identify barriers, and define potential areas for improvement. Rather than focusing on solutions too early, our approach supports organisations to better understand the problem and set clear, achievable objectives - grounded in evidence and reflective of the realities of frontline delivery.
Creating Evidence, & Proving Value
Creating Evidence
CEDAR supports organisations to generate robust evidence to evaluate whether innovations work in practice. We conduct systematic and rapid reviews, assess clinical effectiveness, and design evidence generation plans for new technologies and interventions.
As a longstanding NICE External Assessment Group (EAG), we combine clinical evidence synthesis with cost-effectiveness modelling to support national guidance of medical technologies. We also deliver targeted reviews to support NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee, and collaborate with medical technology companies to evaluate innovations such as digital tools, MedTech, and pathway changes in real-world settings.
CEDAR also has a dedicated clinical research workstream. We support all aspects of clinical trial delivery - from study design and regulatory approvals through to site monitoring, data management, and reporting. Our multi-disciplinary team manages trial protocols, safety reporting, statistical analysis, and governance compliance, working to ICH-GCP and UK regulatory standards. We work in partnership with NHS and academic teams, industry, and third sector organisations to generate high-quality clinical evidence that meets the needs of both patients and decision-makers.
Proving Value
CEDAR has extensive experience in evaluating whether innovations deliver value to patients, staff, services, and the wider system. Our work goes beyond assessing effectiveness, providing the evidence needed to inform adoption, investment and scale-up decisions.
Our health economists develop and critique economic models for a wide range of medical technologies, supporting both early and late-stage assessments. We use methods such as patient-level costing, within-study analysis and de novo modelling to estimate long-term impact - tailored to the stage and complexity of the innovation. Our approach also considers uncertainty, sustainability and equity.
As a key partner in the Welsh Value in Health Centre (WViHC), we support value-based healthcare by advising on PROMs, analysing outcomes, and leading the national Research & Evaluation Group. We work closely with stakeholders to embed value into service change across Wales. We also apply Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis to capture broader impacts, such as wellbeing, staff experience, and service efficiency - bringing together quantitative findings with stakeholder insight to build a comprehensive picture of value.
Collaborate with us
If you have a proposal and would like to explore how CEDAR can support your work, please complete our online support request form HERE.