Course: Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
Health technology assessment (HTA) is a multi-disciplinary science dealing with decision-making in health care based on scientific evidence. In HTA knowledge in the field of medicine, epidemiology, biostatistics, economy, law and ethics is used. HTA provides a rational basis for decisions concerning the use and financing of health care services.
Example
The four basic problems evaluated in HTA (i.e. whether the investigated technology works, in what patients, at what costs and with what effectiveness in comparison to alternative options) may answer the following exemplary questions:
- In what situations psychotherapy in depression is better than pharmacotherapy?
- What is the best method for surgical treatment of aortic aneurysms?
- Should a test for human papilloma virus be performed during a cytology smear?
- Should aspirin be used in primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases?
Intended participants
Depending on current experience, participation should be considered by persons who wish to get acquainted with HTA methodology (basic training) or who wish to deepen their knowledge, learn how to apply the results of economic analyses and how to design reliable economic analyses and HTA reports (advanced training).
Key abilities
After completing this course, the participant will be able to:
- distinguish specific types of HTA analyses and assess their quality,
- apply correct methodology to collected data or results, according to standards of development of HTA reports,
- perform simple analyses individually,
- individually critically appraise identified secondary studies,
- apply information provided by HTA reports in practical decision-making,
- express their own view on the problem of benefit packages, knowing methods of their creation.