[EQ] Theory versus Practice: Discussing the Governance of Health Technology Assessment Systems

Theory versus Practice:
Discussing the Governance of Health Technology Assessment Systems

 

Paul Healy, policy analyst, Stockholm Network, and Dr Meir P. Pugatch, director of research, Stockholm Network

Stockholm 5 Network 2009

 

Available online as PDF [63p.] at:
http://www.stockholm-network.org/downloads/publications/Theory_versus_Practice.pdf

“….This paper examines the issue of governance of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) systems. It finds that, while there seems to be a convergence among different countries towards the HTA appraisal and review process, there are still considerable differences in the manner in which national HTA systems operate as a whole. Such differences, it is argued, ultimately lead to different outcomes and outputs of national HTA systems, not least in the context of patients’ ability to access new and innovative healthcare technologies.

 

Focusing on four key countries – Australia, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom – this paper analyses some of the key elements embedded in HTA systems, which by and large affect the issue of governance of such systems.

 

Accordingly, the paper does the following:

- Describes and analyses the different HTA agencies in the above countries;

- Outlines and determines their relationship with healthcare decision makers;

- Assesses the competence of HTA bodies to provide recommendations and decisions about the endorsement or rejection of healthcare technologies;

- Considers the degree of openness and level of inclusion of inputs from different stakeholders;

- Gauges outputs and performance in terms of the number of reviews and decisions provided by the relevant HTA bodies; and,

- Discusses the overall public perception of these bodies…..”

Contents

Executive Summary

Introduction

HTA Process

HTA Systems

Australia

Canada

Germany

United Kingdom

Conclusions and policy considerations

Bibliography

 *      *     *

This message from the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO/WHO, is part of an effort to disseminate
information Related to: Equity; Health inequality; Socioeconomic inequality in health; Socioeconomic
health differentials; Gender; Violence; Poverty; Health Economics; Health Legislation; Ethnicity; Ethics;
Information Technology - Virtual libraries; Research & Science issues.  [DD/ KMS Area]

“Materials provided in this electronic list are provided "as is". Unless expressly stated otherwise, the findings
and interpretations included in the Materials are those of the authors and not necessarily of The Pan American
Health Organization PAHO/WHO or its country members”.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAHO/WHO Website

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/eqpaho

Equity List - Archives - Join/remove: http://listserv.paho.org/Archives/equidad.html

 

    IMPORTANT: This transmission is for use by the intended recipient and it may contain privileged, proprietary or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering this transmission to the intended recipient, you may not disclose, copy or distribute this transmission or take any action in reliance on it. If you received this transmission in error, please notify us immediately by email to infosec@paho.org, and please dispose of and delete this transmission. Thank you.