OP109 The Need For Building Pharmacists’ Health Technology Assessment Capacity; The Nigerian Scenario

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (S1) ◽  
pp. 26-26
Author(s):  
Otuto Amarauche Chukwu ◽  
Chizaram Chukwu
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Decision ◽  
Healthcare Decision Making ◽  
Sub Saharan

IntroductionThe role of Health technology assessment (HTA) as a systematic approach in the evaluation of health interventions and technologies is becoming increasingly important as the quest for attaining universal health coverage globally continues to increase. Some developed countries in Europe and the Americas now apply HTA extensively in healthcare policy decisions, however, developing regions and countries like sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria respectively, seem not to be making significant progress in this area. Given that evidence suggests that Nigeria and indeed several countries in sub-Saharan Africa are performing poorly on most healthcare indices as the region continues to be ravaged by predictable and avoidable epidemics and disease outbreaks, the need to build HTA capacity has never been more paramount.MethodsA review of HTA capability in Nigeria was done. Pharmacists in Nigeria's Capital were randomly sampled. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered. Descriptive statistics were used in data analysis. P values less than 0.05 were considered to be significant.ResultsIn Nigeria, there is no institution tasked with undertaking HTA and there seems to be limited knowledge, capacity and awareness on the issue. Pharmacists, being the most accessible healthcare professionals according to evidence, are a key group that could play an active role in HTA and its implementation in developing countries like Nigeria. However, out of 322 pharmacists randomly sampled, 93 percent were not aware of HTA and its application in healthcare decision-making.ConclusionsThere is no paucity of healthcare programs and plans in Nigeria but they seem to fail due to lack of evidence-based assessment, decision-making and implementation. Hence, there is an increasing need to raise awareness on the importance of HTA in healthcare decision-making; strengthen HTA capacity by developing and sustaining institutional capacity and adequate human resource for HTA; and creating regional annexes of HTA organizations in Africa.

PP129 The Need For Building Pharmacists HTA Capacity; The Nigerian Scenario

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (S1) ◽  
pp. 116-117
Author(s):  
Otuto Amarauche Chukwu
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Decision ◽  
Developing Regions ◽  
Healthcare Decision Making ◽  
Sub Saharan

Introduction:The role of Health technology assessment (HTA) as a systematic approach in the evaluation of health interventions and technologies is becoming increasingly important as the quest for attaining universal health coverage globally continues to increase. Some developed countries in Europe and the Americas now apply HTA extensively in healthcare policy decisions, however, developing regions and countries like sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria respectively, seem not to be making significant progress in this area. Given that evidence suggests that Nigeria and indeed several countries in sub-Saharan Africa are performing poorly on most healthcare indices as the region continues to be ravaged by predictable and avoidable epidemics and disease outbreaks, the need to build HTA capacity has never been more paramount.Methods:A review of HTA capability in Nigeria was done. Pharmacists in Nigeria's Capital were randomly sampled. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered. Descriptive statistics was used in data analysis. P values less than 0.05 were considered to be significant.Results:In Nigeria, there is no institution tasked with undertaking HTA and there seems to be limited knowledge, capacity and awareness on the issue. Pharmacists, being the most accessible healthcare professionals according to evidence, are a key group that could play an active role in HTA and its implementation in developing countries like Nigeria. However, out of 322 pharmacists randomly sampled, ninty-three percent were not aware of HTA and its application in healthcare decision-making.Conclusions:There is no paucity of healthcare programs and plans in Nigeria but they seem to fail due to lack of evidence-based assessment, decision-making and implementation. Hence, there is increasing need to raise awareness on the importance of HTA in healthcare decision-making; strengthen HTA capacity by developing and sustaining institutional capacity and adequate human resource for HTA; and creating regional annexes of HTA organizations in Africa.

scholarly journals Health technology assessment in sub-Saharan Africa: a descriptive analysis and narrative synthesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Hollingworth ◽  
Ama Pokuaa Fenny ◽  
Su-Yeon Yu ◽  
Francis Ruiz ◽  
Kalipso Chalkidou
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Main Theme ◽  
Narrative Synthesis ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are moving towards universal health coverage. The process of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) can support decisions relating to benefit package design and service coverage. HTA involves institutional cooperation with agreed methods and procedural standards. We systematically reviewed the literature on policies and capacity building to support HTA institutionalisation in SSA. Methods We systematically reviewed the literature by searching major databases (PubMed, Embase, etc.) until June 2019 using terms considering three aspects: HTA; health policy, decision making; and SSA. We quantitatively extracted and descriptively analysed content and conducted a narrative synthesis eliciting themes from the selected literature, which varied in study type and apporach. Results Half of the 49 papers identified were primary research studies and mostly qualitative. Five countries were represented in six of ten studies; South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Cameroon, and Ethiopia. Half of first authors were from SSA. Most informants were policy makers. Five themes emerged: (1) use of HTA; (2) decision-making in HTA; (3) values and criteria for setting priority areas in HTA; (4) involving stakeholders in HTA; and (5) specific examples of progress in HTA in SSA. The first one was the main theme where there was little use of evidence and research in making policy. The awareness of HTA and economic evaluation was low, with inadequate expertise and a lack of local data and tools. Conclusions Despite growing interest in HTA in SSA countries, awareness remains low and HTA-related activities are uncoordinated and often disconnected from policy. Further training and skills development are needed, firmly linked to a strategy focusing on strengthening within-country partnerships, particularly among researchers and policy makers. The international community has an important role here by supporting policy- relevant technical assistance, highlighting that sustainable financing demands evidence-based processes for effective resource allocation, and catalysing knowledge-sharing opportunities among countries facing similar challenges.

Health Technology Assessment in Thailand: Institutionalization and Contribution to Healthcare Decision Making: Review of Literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 467-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pattara Leelahavarong ◽  
Suradech Doungthipsirikul ◽  
Suthasinee Kumluang ◽  
Akanittha Poonchai ◽  
Nitichen Kittiratchakool ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Policy Decision ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Systems Development ◽  
Healthcare Decision ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Healthcare Decision Making ◽  
Policy Decision Making

AbstractObjectivesTo explore health technology assessment (HTA) in Thailand focusing on its institutionalization, key elements for HTA introduction, and HTA contribution to policy.MethodsA review of literature covered a wide range of topics, including the institutionalization of HTA, elements of HTA introduction, and the role of HTA in policy decision making in Thai context. Additional information from the authors’ involvement in the policy decision-making process in Thailand was also considered.ResultsHTA institutionalization comprises processes of introducing HTA, including evidence generation and use in policymaking, building capacity of HTA practitioners, organizations, system infrastructure, and collaborations. In Thailand, HTA has been formally integrated into coverage decisions, including in the development of the National List of Essential Medicines and the Universal Health Coverage Scheme benefits package. Contributing factors included political will and leadership, capacity building on HTA-related disciplines, adequate resources, technical expertise, and data. Conversely, challenges faced included the absence of a governing body and strategic plan for HTA systems development, a lack of formal mechanisms for mobilizing financial support, an inadequate number of HTA researchers in nonprofit institutes, and the rise in advanced biotechnologies.ConclusionsHTA plays an important role in evidence-based healthcare decision making. However, key elements of HTA institutionalization need to be strengthened, especially governance structure and policy for HTA systems development, building and retaining capacity of HTA practitioners to meet demand, addressing the challenges of complex and highly innovative health interventions. Lessons learned from the Thai experience may be used as guidance for HTA institutionalization in other developing countries.

PP138 Current Status Of Healthcare Decision Making And Future Perspective Of The Health Technology Assessment Implementation Roadmap In Turkey

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (S1) ◽  
pp. 16-17
Author(s):  
Enver Kagan Atikeler ◽  
Ahmad Nader Fasseeh ◽  
Bert Leufkens ◽  
Wim Goettsch
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Healthcare Decision ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Economic Decision Making ◽  
Healthcare Decision Making ◽  
Decision Making Processes

IntroductionTurkey's health reforms, which started in 2003, have led to increased access to health care and pharmaceuticals as well as rising public pharmaceutical expenditures. The need to improve healthcare decision making by implementing health technology assessment (HTA) has become an important priority for Turkey. This study sought to provide a tailor-made HTA implementation roadmap, drawing on insights from national stakeholders.Our study aimed to describe the current HTA environment in Turkey and to explore long-term perspectives and suggestions from a wide spectrum of Turkish stakeholders regarding the preferred status of HTA in ten years (by 2029).MethodsWe conducted an online survey using a questionnaire previously applied in other HTA research. We assessed the current evaluation of medical and economic decision-making processes and examined the need for HTA. We also ascertained stakeholder perspectives on potential developments that can be done together with policymakers, representatives of pharmaceutical companies, and patient organizations. We also included general information about the pharmaceutical market and decision making processes in Turkey.ResultsThe survey was sent to various stakeholders from different areas within the health system. Additional face-to-face interviews were conducted with a few respondents to clarify some of their answers. A total of twenty-seven Turkish stakeholders completed the survey. Of these, twenty-one (78%) participants were employed in the public sector and six (22%) were from the private sector. The majority of the participants would introduce HTA for all new health technologies being considered for public reimbursement and institute an additional review process for currently reimbursed technologies. Most of the respondents considered that only new technologies with significant budget impact should be evaluated in the next ten years.ConclusionsIt is clear that Turkey needs to implement an HTA process in the future. Our study shows stakeholder expectations, which will be helpful for creating an HTA implementation roadmap, and it is clear that different stakeholders have different views and expectations about HTA implementation in Turkey. The experiences of other countries will also be helpful during the implementation process.

scholarly journals Introducing health technology assessment in Tanzania

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gavin Surgey ◽  
Kalipso Chalkidou ◽  
William Reuben ◽  
Fatima Suleman ◽  
Jacqui Miot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Priority Setting ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Essential Medicines ◽  
Revision Process ◽  
Decision Making Processes

AbstractObjectivesHealth technology assessment (HTA) is a cost-effective resource allocation tool in healthcare decision-making processes; however, its use is limited in low-income settings where countries fall short on both absorptive and technical capacity. This paper describes the journey of the introduction of HTA into decision-making processes through a case study revising the National Essential Medicines List (NEMLIT) in Tanzania. It draws lessons on establishing and strengthening transparent priority-setting processes, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsThe concept of HTA was introduced in Tanzania through revision of the NEMLIT by identifying a process for using HTA criteria and evidence-informed decision making. Training was given on using economic evidence for decision making, which was then put into practice for medicine selection for the NEMLIT. During the revision process, capacity-building workshops were held with reinforcing messages on HTA.ResultsBetween the period 2014 and 2018, HTA was introduced in Tanzania with a formal HTA committee being established and inaugurated followed by the successful completion and adoption of HTA into the NEMLIT revision process by the end of 2017. Consequently, the country is in the process of institutionalizing HTA for decision making and priority setting.ConclusionWhile the introduction of HTA process is country-specific, key lessons emerge that can provide an example to stakeholders in other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) wishing to introduce priority-setting processes into health decision making.

scholarly journals HTA and MCDA solely or combined? The case of priority-setting in Colombia

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Héctor E. Castro ◽  
Ornella Moreno-Mattar ◽  
Juan C. Rivillas
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Priority Setting ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Healthcare Decision Making ◽  
Potential Benefits

Abstract Background All healthcare systems face problems of justice and efficiency related to setting priorities for allocating limited financial resources. Therefore, explicit decision-making in healthcare depicted as a continuum from evidence generation to deliberation and communication of the decision made, needs to be transparent and fair. Nevertheless, priority-setting in many parts of the world remains being implicit and ad-hoc process. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) have emerged as policy tools to assist informed decision-making. Both, MCDA and HTA have pros and cons. Main body Colombia experienced an important institutional transformation after the establishment of the Health Technology Assessment Institute in 2012. This paper briefly presents the current challenges of the Colombian health system, the general features of the new health sector reform, the main characteristics of HTA in Colombia and the potential benefits and caveats of incorporating MCDA approaches into the decision-making process. Conclusion Structured and objective consideration of the factors that are both measurable and value-based in an open and transparent manner may be feasible through combining HTA and MCDA in contexts like Colombia. Further testing and validation of HTA and MCDA solely or combined in LMICs are needed to advance these approaches into healthcare decision-making worldwide.

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