Providing guidance to countries on institutionalizing Health Technology Assessment
The WHO provides guidance to countries to institutionalize HTA mechanisms. In response to World Health Assembly resolution WHA67.23, WHO is increasingly supporting countries to develop HTA mechanisms to support decision-making. A 2021 report from WHO details in five chapters the “How To” steps needed for institutionalizing HTA. These are:
- Establishing a Mandate,
- Legal Considerations: Reviewing or Establishing the Legal Framework,
- Establishing Institutional and Governance Arrangements,
- Processes and Evidence Required for Assessment and Appraisal, and
- Monitoring and Evaluation
HTA mechanisms across the globe include a range of functions, from horizon scanning to scoping, topic selection, technology assessment and appraisal, supporting decisions on coverage, to price negotiation, guideline development and setting quality standards. A long-term strategy should be developed for the HTA mechanism to encompass the increasing strength of the health system and the fiscal space available for health, which may change the mandate of the HTA mechanism, and the complexity of the methods used. WHO’s approach is to provide guidance for all member states with various levels of capacity for HTA development and refinement.
