European network for health technology assessment, EUnetHTA: planning, development, and implementation of a sustainable European network for health technology assessment

Int J Technol Assess Health Care. 2009 Dec:25 Suppl 2:107-16. doi: 10.1017/S0266462309990754.

Abstract

Objectives: The European network on Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) aimed to produce tangible and practical results to be used in the various phases of health technology assessment and to establish a framework and processes to support this. This article presents the background, objectives, and organization of EUnetHTA, which involved a total of sixty-four partner organizations.

Methods: Establishing an effective and sustainable structure for a transnational network involved many managerial, policy, and methodological tools, according to the objective of each task or Work Package. Transparency in organization, financial transactions, and decision making was a key principle in the management of the Project as was the commitment to appropriately involve stakeholders.

Results: EUnetHTA activities resulted in a clear management and governance structure, efficient partnership, and transnational cooperation. The Project developed a model for sustainable continuation of the EUnetHTA Collaboration.

Conclusions: The EUnetHTA Project achieved its goals by producing a suite of practical tools, a strong network, and plans for continuing the work in a sustainable EUnetHTA Collaboration that facilitates and promotes the use of HTA at national and regional levels. Responsiveness to political developments in Europe should be balanced with maintaining a high level of ambition to promote independent, evidence-based information and well-tested tools for best practice based on a strong network of HTA institutions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • European Union*
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Information Management
  • International Cooperation*
  • Program Development / methods*
  • Public Policy
  • Technology Assessment, Biomedical / organization & administration*