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Health Technology Assessment (HTA)

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a multidisciplinary evaluation of the clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and social and ethical impact of health technologies on patients and the healthcare system. HTA provides comprehensive, systematic, transparent, unbiased, and robust information to inform healthcare decision-makers, particularly regarding the reimbursement of new drugs and other healthcare interventions.

Key aspects of HTA include:

– Purpose: The primary aim of HTA is to guide healthcare decision-makers on whether a health technology should be used, how it is best used, which patients will benefit, and the magnitude of health benefits in relation to the cost.

– Evaluation Criteria: All HTA frameworks assess unmet needs, clinical effectiveness, and the financial or budget impact of a new technology. Many also evaluate cost-effectiveness and consider additional domains such as wider social impact, equity, and ethical and legal issues.

– Process: HTA involves gathering, assessing, and summarizing available information through a rigorous analytical process. It is distinct from the appraisal process, which involves producing guidance based on the assessment and considering other factors like social values, political policies, and resource availability for implementation.

HTA is crucial for ensuring that healthcare resources are used efficiently and that patients receive interventions that provide the most significant benefits relative to their costs. This evidence-based approach supports the development of healthcare policies and practices that improve patient outcomes and the sustainability of healthcare systems.

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