Health technology assessment (HTA) is increasingly recognized as a critical player in promoting environmental sustainability (ES). Despite this growing awareness, practical methods for integrating ES into HTA remain underdeveloped. Efforts to merge these fields are marked by both enthusiasm and significant obstacles, as revealed by a recent study examining the global progression of HTA organizations in this area.
The study aims to delineate the advancement of HTA entities worldwide as they strive to incorporate ES into their evaluations. By exploring diverse strategies for this integration, the authors identified key hurdles, priorities, and potential methodologies that could shape the future of HTA. The research utilized data gathered from questionnaires distributed among members of HTA networks and complemented these findings with an analysis of strategic documents from various institutional websites.
Survey Insights
Out of the twenty-six responses received from twenty countries, a clear recognition of ES’s significance within HTA was apparent. Yet, only nine organizations have taken active steps towards integrating ES, each adopting distinct methodologies. The study highlights a consensus on employing life cycle assessments, with a notable inclination towards environmentally extended input-output analysis and cost-utility analysis. However, substantial evidence supporting these integrations is still lacking, underscoring the need for more comprehensive data and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Challenges and Opportunities
The research identifies major challenges such as data collection difficulties and the necessity for interdisciplinary teams. These challenges highlight the complexities of aligning market access with sustainable practices. The integration of ES into HTA not only demands innovative approaches but also requires overcoming significant barriers to ensure that environmental considerations are embedded within health technology evaluations.
The study also suggests that achieving a successful integration of ES and HTA necessitates a multi-tiered approach. This involves customizing methods and tools to appropriately evaluate the environmental impacts of health technologies. The findings underscore the potential for HTA to serve as a pivotal mechanism in advancing market access for technologies that prioritize environmental sustainability.
Key Inferences
– The integration of ES into HTA is recognized as essential but is still in its nascent stages, with limited active engagement from global organizations.
– Life cycle assessment and input-output analysis are leading methodologies, yet require more robust data to support their application.
– Interdisciplinary collaboration and enhanced data collection are critical to overcoming existing challenges in ES integration.
– The alignment of market access strategies with environmental priorities can position HTA as a leader in sustainable innovation.
In conclusion, while this study marks a foundational step towards integrating ES within HTA, it highlights the necessity for ongoing research and development. Tailoring methods to assess the environmental impact of technologies is vital for fostering a sustainable future. As such, HTA organizations are encouraged to embrace interdisciplinary approaches, thus enabling broader market access for environmentally conscious health technologies.
Original Article:
Int J Technol Assess Health Care. 2024 Nov 29;40(1):e64. doi: 10.1017/S0266462324000631.
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