HTA education and training in Europe

To identify training programs and educational resources in health technology assessment (HTA) in Europe.

A postal survey among potential informants in European countries and Israel, expanding on surveys among ISTAHC and INAHTA members. Informants were identified either using HTA networks or by means of Internet sources.

The combined results of the three surveys show that in the European Union (EU), including Norway and Switzerland, 13 of 17 countries (76%) provide either university level courses or continuing education HTA courses. In the candidate EU countries, 4 of 10 countries (40%) provide HTA courses. In the remainder of countries, only Israel provides HTA courses. Ten different types of courses were identified, mainly applying traditional teaching methods. A substantial number of the courses were first organized in recent years. Many countries in central and eastern Europe expressed the wish to become more involved in HTA.

There is a rapid increase in the number and diversity of courses in HTA in Europe. In particular, countries in the EU are well represented. Education and training in HTA is scarce in EU candidate membership countries, and virtually absent in the remainder of countries. In general, HTA as a field is in the process of becoming established and institutionalized both in individual countries and internationally. To stimulate this development in the area of education and training, both bilateral cooperation and an EU-wide coordinated effort are recommended.