Exploring the Advancing Function of Health Technology Assessments

Abstract

Health technology assessments are a fundamental component of most developed health systems globally. Since their initial application, their purpose, methods, and application have advanced. What began as a mechanism to solve a funding problem and inform adoption decisions, the influence and use of health technology assessments has exponentially extended overtime. Consequently, as technologies rapidly develop and health budgets come under increasing pressure, health technology assessments are demanded by all stakeholders. This includes decision makers, physicians, patients, manufacturers and the general public so as to ensure timely access to technologies which are safe, effective and value for money. These health technology assessments and their implications need to be available and accessible. This edition of Global and Regional Health Technology Assessment aims to satisfy the demand for published health technology assessments and extends to stimulate and encourage debate surrounding advances and issues in the area of health technology assessment in Europe, particularly in the UK, Ireland and the Nordic Regions, that have been at the forefront of experimenting with new models for a long-term sustainable health-care system.