Using health-technology assessment in universal health coverage: From learning to practice

Article type
Authors
Wilkinson T1, Gad M2
1PRICELESS, Wits School of Public Health
2Global Health and Development Group, Imperial College London
Abstract
Objectives: Provide a structured forum for decision makers, practitioners and policy researchers to discuss the practical challenges around policy and practice when designing and implementing health-technology assessment (HTA) and priority setting. Facilitate and find ways to continue dialogue between countries to collaboratively share experiences and the ‘how to’ of using evidence tools for priority setting.

Description: Countries mandated to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) continue to face challenges in providing adequate benefit coverage due to limited resources. Priority setting is an important process to address the disease burden and to reduce morbidity and mortality. HTA is one of the approaches for priority setting and decision making. Members from the Joint Learning Network, the International Decision Support Initiative and beyond are interested in jointly learning about how evidence tools, such as HTA, can be used to inform policy, including setting priorities for the use of limited resources and defining health benefits policies. The workshop will provide interactive panel discussions and an action planning session for participating countries: to identify the gaps and assess countries’ preparedness to design and implement HTA; share good practices on the ‘how to’ and practical use of HTA and priority setting; and explore interest in countries to collaboratively share, learn and co-develop knowledge products to advance their efforts on priority setting.