HTA bodies in different healthcare systems
Fundamental roles of HTA are to determine the added therapeutic value of a new health technology in terms of health outcomes for patients in comparison to the current standard of care (Relative Effectiveness Assessment, REA) and to inform pricing and reimbursement decisions (REA and economic evaluation).
In Europe, there are various Health Technology Assessment (HTA) bodies responsible for the HTA of health technologies’ (including medicines, medical devices, including digital, medical or surgical procedures or complex multidisciplinary interventions). A study undertaken at the request of the European Commission (EC) and published in 2018 [1] identified fifty-six organisations (all public bodies) in 27 EU countries (plus Norway) as the HTA bodies having a clearly defined role in HTA to inform decision-making at the national level.
The origin, structure, function, remit, and approaches of these bodies vary according to the different health systems and political structures in which they work. Thus, HTA bodies differ from country-to-country (or region or even province)[1] Mapping of HTA national organisations, programmes and processes in EU and Norway. Available at: Mapping of HTA national organisations, programmes and processes in EU and Norway - Publications Office of the EU (europa.eu)