Health technology assessment of medical devices, 2nd ed

Overview

HTA is a multidisciplinary process used to evaluate the clinical, economic, ethical implications and social impact of new health technologies. This document describes the critical role of HTA in supporting decisionmaking by informing policy-makers about the adoption and/or reimbursement of medical technologies by healthcare systems. As such, the WHO and other global health organizations provide support for regional and national initiatives to advance the use of HTA in developing and emerging countries. Developing HTA capacity in LMICs enables evidence-based decision-making and, in so doing, ensures that healthcare resources are spent efficiently and effectively and that investment in new technologies adds value to the health system by improving patient outcomes while ensuring equitable access. Importantly, by evaluating financial impact, HTA helps to avoid unnecessary spending on ineffective or costly interventions. Health systems are strengthened when HTA is integrated into all aspects of decision- and policy-making; however, HTA requires good governance to provide a policy approach that assures all stakeholders of transparency and accountability.