Priority areas for the development of the health technology assessment system in Ukraine: survey results

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to analyze the expert opinion on the priority areas of development of the HTA in Ukraine, taking into account the existing condition, problems and possible prospects for effective development. Materials and methods. The expert survey (online questionnaire) included the preparation of a special questionnaire, targeted selection of experts based on their competence in the field of HTA. Three groups of respondents took part in the survey, including 13 HTA developers, 32 users, and 31 informed persons to ensure the representativeness of the survey results. The following methods were used to process and interpret the results: scientific generalization, mathematical and statistical, analytical, and graphical. Results of the study. Based on the results of the expert survey, the role and place of the HTA in the health care system was determined. Experts see the main purpose of the HTA as preparing the necessary information of the relevant level of evidence for decision-making on the selection of optimal MTs (in particular, for budget procurement, inclusion in regulatory lists for price regulation and reimbursement). The respondents' opinions on the participation of different socio-professional groups in the implementation of the HTA and the use of its results were studied. Thus, according to the results of the survey, HTA experts and scientists can carry out the assessment, and in some cases (mini-HTA, hospital HTA for the formation of local formularies and protocols) – specialists of medical institutions. According to the respondents, it is advisable to expand the use of HTA results for decision-making at the national, regional and local levels. According to the survey, the priority areas for the development of HTA are the creation of a professional environment, adequate logistical and informational support, improvement of legislation, creation of an optimal institutional structure, harmonization of HTA methodology and development of international cooperation. Conclusions. The expert survey allowed us to determine the most likely scenario for the further development of HTA in Ukraine. According to the majority of respondents, the main efforts are currently focused on capacity building, formation of a professional environment, active use of evidence, and infrastructure development.