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Abstract
Background: Gesundheit Österreich GmbH (GÖG), on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Health, has drawn up an internet guide on health technology assessment (HTA). HTA goes back to the late 1970s, when political decision makers voiced demands for well-founded, comprehensive information on health technologies, possible courses of action and their consequences. It is generally recognised that a central aspect of HTA is to provide a scientific evaluation of health technologies for the purpose of political consultancy. On the basis of the best available evidence, health technology is objectively assessed in a transparent and systematic process, taking into account the specific context in which it will be applied, in order to provide a basis for decision-making by political actors. What is common to all definitions is that HTA goes beyond assessing the mere effectiveness of health technology. Since the beginning of HTA in the late 1970s, various types of efforts have been made to force HTA for decision-making.
Objectives: The objective of the HTA guide is to provide quick and easy access to national and international HTA information for the general public and decision makers. In addition, the HTA guide aims to pool links of relevant institutions in the field of HTA.
Methods: The HTA guide is revised and updated regularly, the information is available in English and German. New contents are searched for via the internet. The identification of new contents is also facilitated by links of the membership of GÖG to several expert networks. In addition, interested institutions or persons can contact the webmaster with regard to the content or with technical questions.
Results: The HTA guide gives an overview of definitions of HTA, handbooks, guides and glossaries, lists institutions, outcomes and sources of HTA in Austria, in selected other countries and across countries. It also provides links to HTA newsletters, education and training offers, and free and for-pay databases. The HTA guide is available under http://hta-guide.biqg.at/.
Objectives: The objective of the HTA guide is to provide quick and easy access to national and international HTA information for the general public and decision makers. In addition, the HTA guide aims to pool links of relevant institutions in the field of HTA.
Methods: The HTA guide is revised and updated regularly, the information is available in English and German. New contents are searched for via the internet. The identification of new contents is also facilitated by links of the membership of GÖG to several expert networks. In addition, interested institutions or persons can contact the webmaster with regard to the content or with technical questions.
Results: The HTA guide gives an overview of definitions of HTA, handbooks, guides and glossaries, lists institutions, outcomes and sources of HTA in Austria, in selected other countries and across countries. It also provides links to HTA newsletters, education and training offers, and free and for-pay databases. The HTA guide is available under http://hta-guide.biqg.at/.