EUnetHTA relative effectiveness assessments: efforts to increase usability, transparency and inclusiveness

Area of Science:

• Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
• European healthcare policy
• Comparative effectiveness research

Background:

• The European Network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) Joint Action 3 (JA3) aimed to establish a sustainable model for European collaboration in HTA.
• Previous iterations focused on reducing duplication and improving patient access to health technologies.
• JA3 introduced procedural changes to enhance usability, transparency, and inclusiveness in relative effectiveness assessments (REAs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and analyze the procedural changes implemented in EUnetHTA JA3.
• To explain the rationale behind these changes and their impact on HTA production.
• To assess the effectiveness of JA3 in fostering European collaboration on HTA.

Main Methods:

• Collection of feedback from REA teams and project managers involved in JA3.
• Mapping of lessons learned at the conclusion of JA3.
• Development of recommendations for future REA production processes based on collected feedback and lessons learned.

Main Results:

• Forty-three EUnetHTA REAs were produced during JA3.
• Usability was enhanced by focusing on producer/user needs and increasing stakeholder involvement.
• Transparency was significantly improved through the publication of guidances, templates, and online information.
• Inclusiveness was boosted by streamlining stakeholder interaction, involvement, and feedback mechanisms.
• Effective project management ensured a consistent and reliable workflow.

Conclusions:

• Procedural changes in JA3 helped mitigate challenges posed by differing national HTA agency requirements.
• Enhanced usability, transparency, and inclusiveness were key outcomes of JA3.
• Further resolution of methodological differences is crucial for strengthening future European collaboration on REA production.