Adopting Health Technology Assessment. A report on the socio-cultural, political, and legal influences on health technology assessment adoption. Four case studies: England and Wales, Japan, Poland & Thailand. Working Paper.

Abstract

Demand for international action on health systems strengthening to ensure countries achieve universal health coverage and better health results is growing rapidly. The introduction of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is one of the approaches adopted by some middle and high countries to prioritize health benefits in a systematic and transparent way. But, the adoption of HTA often involves significant challenges from political and legal perspectives. Identifying these challenges and finding solutions to address them remains valuable information for many countries seeking to expand health coverage in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. The Global Health and Development Group based within the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London (previously NICE International) and the World Bank agreed to collaborate on a joint study to compare the experiences from select middle- and high-income countries in adopting and implementing HTA, and to extract lessons about the key influences and potential benefits and costs of adopting HTA. Those countries studied include: England, Japan, Poland, and Thailand. Japan hosted the annual conference of HTA International (HTAi) for the first time in Tokyo in May 2016. This study provided the background for presentation and discussion at the HTAi meeting. To undertake this task, The Global Health and Development Group based within the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London (previously NICE International) and the World Bank brought together a health policy specialist with knowledge and experience in the Polish healthcare system and a dual-degree Juris Doctorate and Masters of Public Health Candidate. The draft report synthesizes the case studies into a working paper.