HTA is multi-disciplinary field of policy analysis that examines the medical, economic, social and ethical implications of the incremental value, diffusion and use of a health technology in health care.
The term Health Technology refers to application of organised knowledge and skills in the form of devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures and systems developed to solve a health problem and improve quality of life.
Many of the 500,000 North American patients with chronic mitral regurgitation may be poor candidates for mitral valve surgery. The objective of this study was to investigate the comparative effectiveness, harms, and cost-effectiveness of percutaneous mitral valve repair using mitral valve clips in candidates at prohibitive risk for surgery. Primary studies were sought from existing systematic reviews that […]
ABSTRACT Background Regulatory approval and reimbursement are necessary to bring health technologies to market. As both are distinct processes, the lack of interaction between regulators and payers has been criticized for resulting in health system inefficiencies. Objectives This study describes the experiences of health system stakeholders on the development and implementation of initiatives to better harmonize […]
Colorectal cancer, a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Ontario, can be prevented through early diagnosis and removal of precancerous polyps. Colon capsule endoscopy is a relatively new, minimally invasive test for detecting colorectal polyps. The objectives of this analysis were to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and safety of colon capsule endoscopy for the detection of […]
The purpose of this guidance document is for the appropriate selection, procurement, utilization and maintenance of oxygen concentrators. This document also focuses on recommendations for the appropriate use and maintenance of oxygen concentrators in an effort to increase the availability, management and quality of oxygen concentrators and, ultimately, to improve health outcomes in LRS. This document […]
Abstract Background: The number of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) agencies increases. One component of HTAs are economic aspects. To incorporate economic aspects commonly economic evaluations are performed. A convergence of recommendations for methods of health economic evaluations between international HTA agencies would facilitate the adaption of results to different settings and avoid unnecessary expense. A first step in this direction […]
Objective: To describe research methods used internationally in health technology assessment (HTA) and health-care reimbursement policies; compare the survey findings on research methods and processes to published HTA principles; and discuss important issues/trends reported by HTA bodies related to current research methods and applications of the HTA process. Methods: Representatives from HTA bodies worldwide were recruited […]
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Insertion – TAVI – is a technique involving the implantation of an artificial valve into a narrowed aortic valve without the need to stop the heart. There are two variants of this procedure. In the first, the artificial valve is inserted through an artery, generally the femoral artery, in which case it is called a «transfemoral TAVI». […]
Over the past 20 years, Colombia has invested major efforts in ensuring universal health care access to its citizens while facing epidemiological transition and demographic changes. The country, as any other region in the world, is challenged by financial constraints and market pressures for entry of new and frequently costly technol- ogies. After the 1993 health […]
The Alberta Health and Wellness’ Executive Committee accepted the Alberta Health Technology Decision Program’s Advisory Committee’s recommendation to undertake a STE analysis of insulin delivery systems. The purpose of this report is to address the following questions of interest: What is the potential role of insulin pump therapy (IPT) in the intensive treatment of Albertans with type 1 diabetes […]
Aortic valvular stenosis, or narrowing of the valve orifice, is a progressive disease that generally affects patients over the age of 65 years in Western countries and is usually caused by degenerative calcification. Aortic stenosis causes increasing resistance against the ejection of blood from the left ventricle towards the aorta. After symptoms appear (dyspnea, angina, syncope), […]