The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has embarked on an HTA Review to evaluate and enhance Australia’s health technology assessments (HTAs). Health technology assessments play a pivotal role in informing the Australian government’s decisions on funding and subsidizing health technologies, including those under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Medicare Benefits Schedule, National Immunization Program, and the Life-Saving Drugs Program.
Health technology assessments involve a comprehensive evaluation of health technologies, encompassing quality, safety, efficacy, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness. These assessments ensure that healthcare decisions are based on scientific evidence and aim to optimize the accessibility and affordability of healthcare technologies for the benefit of Australians.
Under the 2022-27 Strategic Agreement between the Commonwealth and Medicines Australia, the Australian government has committed to support and resource the Health Technology Assessment Review. A reference committee, led by Independent Chair Adjunct Professor Debora Picone AO, oversees this initiative. The committee comprises individuals from various sectors, including patient representatives, clinical and scientific experts, government nominees, and industry representatives.
The key goals of the Health Technology Assessment
- Reducing Time to Access: The review aims to expedite access to new health technologies, ensuring that Australians can benefit from breakthrough medicines as early as possible.
- Maintaining Attractiveness: Australia’s status as a first-launch country for healthcare technologies is essential. The review seeks to uphold this reputation and strengthen the nation’s position as a global leader in providing accessible and affordable healthcare.
- Adapting to Advancing Technology: As health technology constantly evolves, the assessment processes must keep pace. The review focuses on ensuring that health technology assessments remain relevant and minimize barriers to access.
The HTA Review will delve into HTA policy and methods while actively engaging stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of the current system. It will identify aspects that are working well, potential barriers to timely and equitable access, any deficiencies in person-centeredness, and the presence of perverse incentives.
The terms of reference for the HTA Review have been formulated, considering feedback from stakeholders representing patients, consumers, industry, advisory bodies, and government authorities. These terms define the scope of the review, its objectives, and the areas under consideration. It acknowledges the importance of incorporating feedback from a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
To support the review, experts in HTA from academic institutions such as the University of Adelaide, the University of Technology Sydney, and the University of New South Wales Sydney will provide insights and research. Their contributions will include analyzing policy and methods used by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, contemporary research, relevant methodologies, and purchasing practices in international jurisdictions.
Stakeholder engagement is a critical aspect of the HTA Review. There have already been opportunities for stakeholders to provide input during the first public consultation, which concluded on June 6, 2023. Over 100 stakeholder submissions were received, and their responses have been published for transparency. These submissions will be considered in the ongoing deliberations of the HTA Reference Committee.
Stakeholder Engagement in the Health Technology Assessment Review
Additionally, expressions of interest for deep-dive discussions with the reference committee were welcomed from May 16, 2023, to September 1, 2023. These discussions aimed to provide a more in-depth understanding of specific complex topics, challenges, and opportunities related to HTA.
The HTA Review will progress with a second round of public consultation, known as Consultation 2, which is set to commence on January 8, 2024. During this phase, stakeholders will have another opportunity to provide feedback and contribute to shaping the future of HTAs in Australia. Online and in-person workshops are planned to facilitate further discussions and collaborations in late January and early February 2024.
In summary, the HTA Review in Australia represents a significant step towards improving the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare decision-making. By involving stakeholders and experts, the review aims to enhance the assessment processes, reduce barriers to access, and ensure that Australians receive timely access to innovative healthcare technologies.
Resource: Health.gov, December 01, 2023
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