What is a Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA)?

The Joint Clinical Assessment is the scientific compilation and the description of a comparative analysis of the available clinical evidence on a health technology in comparison with one or more other health technologies or existing procedures –  

🔗Access the full definition provided under Chapter I Article 2 (6) in the HTAR 2021/2282

The aim of a JCA is to provide:

    1. An Assessment report and;
    2. A Summary report

which are based on the expertise gathered from scientific, clinical, patient experts, industry and HTA bodies in the EU. 

The Joint Clinical Assessment will be conducted by representatives from the designated  subgroup. These representatives are responsible for the JCA activities, timelines and for collecting input from:

  • regulatory agencies
  • clinicians
  • patients

Two Member States, one leading and one supporting, will lead the efforts to conduct a JCA and will liaise with the other Member State representatives. 

Non-EU countries may participate as observers or in specific collaborations. This process will be detailed in the Implementing Acts. 

The process and principles on how patients will be informed of upcoming assessments (JCAs) and methodological formats so they can actively contribute are still under development. 

Reference: European Commission. HTA Stakeholder Network Meeting Minutes June 2023