Developing a national framework for health technology assessment in Iran: a mixed-methods Delphi consensus study.

Area of Science:

• Health Policy and Systems Research
• Health Technology Assessment
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Healthcare decision-making requires robust frameworks for evidence utilization.
• Optimizing resource allocation is crucial for achieving universal health coverage.
• Iran's healthcare system needs a context-specific approach to health technology assessment (HTA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a tailored health technology assessment (HTA) framework for Iran.
• To enhance evidence-based decision-making in the Iranian healthcare system.
• To support resource optimization and progress towards universal health coverage.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods Delphi consensus study was employed.
• The study involved document review, focus group discussions, and iterative Delphi rounds.
• Participants included 18 stakeholders and 20 HTA experts.

Main Results:

• A nine-component HTA framework was developed, covering aspects from establishing a national HTA body to fostering innovation.
• Detailed operational steps and micro-activities were defined for each component.
• The framework achieved 84% consensus among Delphi panellists.

Conclusions:

• The developed HTA framework offers a structured roadmap for institutionalizing evidence-based decision-making in Iran.
• Implementation can improve healthcare planning, policy efficiency, equity, and sustainability.
• Pilot testing is recommended, with potential for adaptation in other low- and middle-income countries.