HP4G2E      Half Unit
Principles of Health Technology Assessment

This information is for the 2021/22 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Panagiotis Kanavos COW 1.05

Availability

This course is compulsory on the Executive MSc in Evaluation of Health Care Interventions and Outcomes, in collaboration with NICE. This course is not available as an outside option.

Course content

Health Technology Assessment a multidisciplinary process that summarises information about the medical, social, economic, and ethical issues related to the use of a health technology in a systematic, transparent, unbiased, and robust manner. Health Technology Assessment differs in its governance, data and evidence requirements, assessment methods, and operational arrangements across different settings and contexts. This course is aimed at introducing the key principles of Health Technology Assessment, its operational modalities, the different models of value assessment and how they link to decision-making.

Outline of the course is included below:

1. The role of Health Technology Assessment in health care decision making

2. Models of Health Technology Assessment and their application in different jurisdictions - a comparative perspective

3. Governance issues (position in health care decision-making, topic selection, assessment process, stakeholder involvement)

4. Data and evidence requirements for value assessment

5. Health Technology Assessment and value assessment: focus on clinical benefit assessment

6. Health Technology Assessment and value assessment: focus on clinical-cost-effectiveness

7. Assessment methods in Health Technology Assessment

8. Explaining similarities and differences in Health Technology Assessment recommendations – a toolkit

9. The role of multiple criteria decision analysis in value assessment

10. Beyond Health Technology Assessment: links to risk-sharing and special purchasing arrangements

Teaching

10 hours of lectures, 10 hours of seminars and 1 hour of help sessions.

Given the executive nature of this course, it will be offered as an intensive, accelerated, and compressed module with a 1-week duration. 

Formative coursework

Students will be expected to produce 1 exercise in the MT.

A selection of multiple choice and open-ended questions to test extent of knowledge and understanding of syllabus

Indicative reading

Chalkidou, K., Tunis, S., Lopert, R., Rochaix, L., Sawicki, P. T., Nasser, M., & Xerri, B. (2009). Comparative Effectiveness Research and Evidence Based Health Policy: Experience from Four Countries. Milbank Quarterly, 87(2), 339-367.

Banta, H. D., & Luce, B. R. (1993). Health care technology and its assessment: an international perspective.

Drummond, M. F., Schwartz, J. S., Jönsson, B., Luce, B. R., Neumann, P. J., Siebert, U., & Sullivan, S. D. (2008). Key principles for the improved conduct of health technology assessments for resource allocation decisions. International journal of technology assessment in health care, 24(03), 244-258.

Sorenson, C., Drummond, M., & Kanavos, P. (2008). Ensuring value for money in health care: the role of health technology assessment in the European Union (No. 11). WHO Regional Office Europe.

Sorenson, C. (2010). Use of comparative effectiveness research in drug coverage and pricing decisions: a six-country comparison. Issue Brief (Commonwealth Fund), 91, 1-14.

Assessment

Research project (100%) in the MT.

A 3,000-word (excluding references) case study on a specific topic

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Health Policy

Total students 2020/21: Unavailable

Average class size 2020/21: Unavailable

Controlled access 2020/21: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Specialist skills