A framework for improved collaboration on HTA in the Asia-Pacific region: a role for HTAsiaLink.

Abstract

Countries frequently use health technology assessment (HTA) to set priorities for introducing new interventions or evaluating existing interventions; however, applying the tool effectively is heavily dependent on a country's resources and capacity. Infrastructure and data, technical expertise, broad stakeholder involvement, and financial support are required to improve HTA processes. In the Asia-Pacific, HTAsiaLink was established to facilitate this practice, but strengthening and legitimizing this organization are needed to maximize its potential to support HTA institutionalization in the region. To realize this objective, HTAsiaLink can serve as a center of excellence while providing experiential learning and sharing information. As a learning hub, HTAsiaLink can share resources-particularly data-that can contribute to joint HTAs as done in the European Union and strengthen capacity in countries needing to develop their HTA expertise.