Health Technology Assessment: Research Institute Demands More Stakeholder Involvement and Transparency for Best Results

MILAN, Italy - The European Health Technology Institute for Socio-Economic Research (EHTI) today presents at a high level workshop at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. The workshop brings together leading European and Italian experts to exchange views on the role and implementation of health technology assessment (HTA) in Italy and across Europe and takes place just a few days before the European Parliament’s plenary session vote on 23 April on the Directive on the Application of Patients’ Rights in Cross-Border Healthcare. In Article 17 of the Directive, the European Commission aims to establish a framework for European cooperation in HTA.

In her presentation, Rosanna Tarricone, Executive Director of EHTI, identified key areas where more research is necessary to lay the groundworks for a possible harmonisation of HTA in Europe’s healthcare systems. “We first need to do our due diligence in terms of understanding and methods. Without this, harmonisation is not helpful but dangerous. New technologies provide great opportunities for policymakers, providers, and patients to improve healthcare services and outcomes. When carried out properly, HTA is a great tool to identify cost-effective technologies and health services”, she concluded.

Zeger Vercouteren, industry representative at ETHI’s Research Council in his remarks pointed to existing evidence that a HTA process which is transparent and open to professional groups, industry and patient organisations will ultimately result in a better outcome for patients across Europe. “There is plenty of published research calling for a greater level of transparency to allow for an open, systematic, and unbiased decision-making process. It is time that European policymakers consider this evidence when looking to HTA systems to support their decision making.”

The EHTI is currently conducting research into the financing of medical technology in Europe and its socio-economic value. Technological innovation is deemed to be at the root of the recent cost escalation in healthcare. Nevertheless, it is commonly recognised that medical technology often makes a substantial difference in patients’ quality of life, disability levels and mortality rates. The benefits of technological innovation have not been fully studied, nor have the beneficiaries of such innovation been clearly identified.

About EHTI

EHTI is realising the potential of medical technology in Europe by filling the research gap, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions that vastly improve systems’ efficiency and quality of life for all. In doing so, the Research Institute also aims to build strong partnerships among leading figures in academia, industry and government. By mobilising the synergies between these partners, it hopes to enhance the production of top-quality research.

More information Rosanna Tarricone Executive Director +32-493-518-002 RT@together4healthinnovation.eu www.ehti.info

Source: The European Health Technology Institute for Socio-Economic Research (EHTI)

More information: Rosanna Tarricone, Executive Director, +32-493-518-002, RT at together4healthinnovation.eu