HIQA publishes guidelines for assessing the effectiveness of health technologies

The updated <em>Draft Guidelines for Evaluating the Clinical Effectiveness of Health Technologies</em> in Ireland is intended assist decision-makers in evaluating the effectiveness of health technologies. 

Dr Conor Teljeur, HIQA’s Chief Scientist, said: “Each year a substantial portion of the health budget is invested in new technologies and programmes. It is essential that funding decisions are based on sound evidence and that there is reassurance that they will deliver care that is both patient-focussed and achieves best value. Health technology assessment can provide an accurate evaluation of the evidence base. Of particular importance is how an assessment evaluates clinical outcomes, and these guidelines provide direction on that element of a HTA.”<br />The guidelines aim to improve the accuracy of HTAs undertaken for the Irish healthcare system. The guidelines apply to assessments of all healthcare technologies, including pharmaceuticals, procedures, medical devices, broader public health interventions and service delivery models.<br />Dr Teljeur continued: “To ensure consistency in the HTAs undertaken by HIQA and others, HIQA has developed these guidelines on the conduct of HTA in Ireland. The guide is intended to promote the production of assessments that are timely, reliable, consistent and relevant to the needs of decision-makers and key stakeholders in Ireland. As health and social care services are publicly funded in Ireland, these guidelines promote the best use of limited public money and resources in ensuring the needs of the people using services are met.”<br />Anyone with an interest in HTA is now being asked to provide feedback on the<em> Draft Guidelines for Evaluating the Clinical Effectiveness of Health Technologies in Ireland</em>. The closing date for feedback is 5pm on Friday 23 November 2018.