What is HTA?
HTA is a scientific process used to evaluate healthcare interventions and medical innovations. These may include medicines, medical devices, diagnostic procedures, digital health applications, prevention programmes, or health promotion initiatives.
HTA systematically examines whether a health technology is effective and safe, what additional benefits it offers to patients compared with existing alternatives, and what impact its use may have on costs, healthcare organisation, ethical considerations, and society as a whole. The aim is to provide independent, transparent, and evidence-based information to support decision-making by policymakers, healthcare payers, hospitals, and other stakeholders within the healthcare system.
In this way, HTA helps decision-makers allocate limited resources where they can achieve the greatest health benefit, contributing to high-quality, equitable, and sustainable healthcare.
The AIHTA produces independent HTA reports on selected health technologies, thereby supporting evidence-based decision-making within the Austrian healthcare system.
How does an HTA assessment work?
The first step is to decide which health technology should be assessed.As part of the prioritisation process, an assessment is made of whether the technology could have a significant impact on patients, healthcare delivery, or healthcare expenditure.
The questions to be addressed are clearly specified, for example:
- How effective and safe is the new technology compared with existing alternatives?
- How cost-effective is it?
- What organisational requirements need to be considered for its integration into the existing healthcare system?
The research questions and planned methodology are published in advance in the form of a project protocol.
All relevant scientific studies and available data are then systematically identified, selected, and critically appraised.
In line with the research questions, information from the identified studies is systematically extracted, analysed, and synthesised according to internationally recognised methodological standards. The findings are documented transparently in an HTA report.
Before publication, the report undergoes both internal and external review. This ensures that the assessment is independent, transparent, and scientifically robust.
The results are published and provide a basis for decisions such as:
- Should a new therapy or intervention receive public funding?
- Which patient groups or population groups are most likely to benefit?
- Under what conditions should the technology be used?
In summary: HTA systematically assesses whether a health technology is effective, safe, and appropriate for use compared with existing alternatives. It provides an independent evidence base for decision-making and supports a high-quality and sustainable healthcare system.