1. Montse Moharra; Antoni Parada on behalf of WP8 of the EUnetHTA project Catalan Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Research EUnetHTA HANDBOOK ON HTA CAPACITY BUILDING Glasgow, 9-10th February 2009 CATALAN AGENCY FOR HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AND RESEARCH

2. The EUnetHTA HANDBOOK ON HTA CAPACITY BUILDING is a product of the EUnetHTA Workpackage 8 on systems to support HTA in member states with limited institutionalisation of HTA EUnetHTA WP 8. OBJECTIVES were: 1.To define the recommendable minimum components related to the scope, structure and the work process of an HTA organization. 2.To develop tools for information and education support addressed to institutions or healthcare systems in the process of evolving to an HTA organization.

3. Review on HTA organisations Survey on HTA organisations Survey on Information management units Handbook on HTA capacity building HTA Curricula WP8 DELIVERABLES & MILESTONES December 2006 October 2007 October 2008 November 2008

4. CATALAN AGENCY FOR HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AND RESEARCH HANDBOOK ON HTA CAPACITY BUILDING EUnetHTA HANDBOOK ON HTA CAPACITY BUILDING WORK PACKAGE 8 OCTOBER 2008 The WP8’s main product is the Handbook on HTA capacity building. Its objective is to provide guidance and support in the process of establishing HTA in countries with limited HTA capacity, and also to serve as a practical tool in other countries where HTA is more consolidated. The Handbook, which is coordinated by CAHTA, consists of nine chapters. The handbook is available at www.eunethta.net

5. CATALAN AGENCY FOR HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AND RESEARCH CONTENTS OF THE HANDBOOK ON HTA CAPACITY BUILDING I Chapter 2. Building of national HTA capacity Before establishing an HTA programme different aspects should be considered: 1. Preparing the ground 2.Identifying suitable professionals and HTA training opportunities 3. Integrating various professional disciplines 4. Analysing the current scene relevant to HTA 5. Networking and Communication Chapter 1. Introduction Chapter 3. Aims and scope

6. CATALAN AGENCY FOR HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AND RESEARCH CONTENTS OF THE HANDBOOK ON HTA CAPACITY BUILDING II Chapter 4. Organizational and legal framework Chapter 5. Structure Chapter 6. Work Process Have multidisciplinary teams that will ensure a continuous professional development which is necessary for the evolution of the HTA organisation. A core permanent staff, completed by additionally engaged external collaborators and advisors, can serve the multidisciplinary and increase the capability of the organisation to serve the various subjects that has to be explored Work process Identification of new Health Technologies Priority setting Process The Assessment Process Elaboration of recommendations Product quality assurance

7. CATALAN AGENCY FOR HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AND RESEARCH CONTENTS OF THE HANDBOOK ON HTA CAPACITY BUILDING III Dissemination and communication activities are very important for adequate visibility of the HTA organisation and its products in national health care systems. There are no “magic bullets” for dissemination HTA results. Different actions and strategies should be considered and carried out as an integrated plan Chapter 7. Disseminating HTA products Chapter 8. Conclusions and recommendations Chapter 9. Challenges and new future actions and recommendations

8. CATALAN AGENCY FOR HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AND RESEARCH Before establishing an HTA programme different aspects should be considered:  Preparing the ground  Identifying suitable professionals and HTA training opportunities  Integrating various professional disciplines  Analysing the current scene relevant to HTA  Networking and communication Once the new agency has been established, different aspects should be taken into account:  Be sensible to the specific setting needs  Establish liaisons  Be benefited from the ‘core’ information.  Look out for high quality products  Ensure financial sources  Active action on decision makers  Have multidisciplinary teams  Co-operate at national level  Look for international collaboration  Achieve legal support WP8 MAIN FINAL REMARKS

9. CATALAN AGENCY FOR HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AND RESEARCH It is recommended that each agency should clearly define its scope of activities and on that basis either identify and/or select technologies for assessment or await other agencies’ assessment of specific technologies, with or without subsequent adaptation to a local context. WP8 MAIN FINAL REMARKS There are no “magic bullets” for disseminating HTA results. Different actions and strategies should be considered and carried out as an integrated plan which should include: Dissemination HTA results The identification of HTA target audiences Elaboration of the messages adapted to target audiences Formal and complex dissemination strategies