Lifecycle HTA: promising applications and a framework for implementation. An HTAi Global Policy Forum Task Force...

Area of Science:

• Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
• Health Policy
• Lifecycle Management

Background:

• The Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi) Global Policy Forum (GPF) identified the need for a position statement and framework for lifecycle HTA (LC-HTA).
• Existing HTA processes may not adequately address technologies with evolving evidence or contexts.
• Multi-stakeholder input was gathered through a dedicated Task Force.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a working definition and a high-level framework for lifecycle health technology assessment (LC-HTA).
• To identify key scenarios where LC-HTA provides significant value to HTA bodies and stakeholders.
• To establish a foundation for operationalizing LC-HTA.

Main Methods:

• Convening a multi-stakeholder Task Force under the HTAi GPF.
• Conducting monthly discussions and incorporating GPF member input.
• Developing a definition, identifying key scenarios, and creating a high-level framework for LC-HTA.

Main Results:

• A working definition of LC-HTA was established: a systematic process using sequential HTA activities for evolving evidence, technologies, or contexts.
• Four key scenarios were identified where LC-HTA offers substantial value.
• A high-level LC-HTA framework was developed, comprising decision problem definition, sequencing of HTA activities, and optimization criteria.

Conclusions:

• The developed LC-HTA framework and definition provide a structured approach for managing health technologies throughout their lifecycle.
• LC-HTA is valuable in specific scenarios, justifying the resource investment for HTA bodies.
• Operationalization guidance for LC-HTA has been developed in a companion paper.