HOSPITAL-BASED HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN IRAN

Int J Technol Assess Health Care. 2017 Jan;33(4):529-533. doi: 10.1017/S0266462317000654. Epub 2017 Aug 17.

Abstract

Background: Hospitals with health technology assessment (HTA) programs have reported its positive effects on the management of resources and costs. This study aimed to identify the barriers faced by hospital-based HTA (HBHTA) in Iran by inductive content analysis of stakeholders' and decision-makers' points of view.

Methods: The key individuals and organizations that could provide rich, relevant, and diverse data in response to the research question were purposively selected for the interviews and focus group discussion.

Results: Twelve stakeholders from seven public hospitals participated in the interviews. Another eighteen stakeholders from twelve HBHTA-related organizations took part in the focus group discussion. Most of the hospitals' senior management team did not feel the need for HBHTA and believed that in Iran a systematic process like HTA faces many challenges.

Conclusions: The stakeholders participating in this study highlighted the significance of certain points that needed to be addressed before establishing HBHTA in Iran.

Keywords: Health technology assessment; Hospital; Hospital-based health technology assessment (HBHTA).

MeSH terms

  • Decision Making*
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Iran
  • Qualitative Research
  • Technology Assessment, Biomedical / organization & administration*