Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in Italy is a multidisciplinary process that synthesizes information on clinical, economic, social, and ethical aspects related to the use of a health technology in a systematic, transparent, unbiased, and robust way. The goal of HTA is to support the definition of safe, effective, and patient-centred health policies, ensuring maximum value for the healthcare system.
Governance Structure: HTA Steering Committee and the Role of AGENAS
With the launch of the national HTA plan, a new governance structure has been established in Italy, as outlined by Alessandra Lo Scalzo, Director of UOC HTA at Agenas, during her speech at the AboutMedicalDevices conference. The new structure consists of:
- HTA Steering Committee: A decision-making body that determines which technologies to assess at the national and regional levels.
- AGENAS (National Agency for Regional Healthcare Services): Designated as the technical-scientific body for technology evaluation.
- Stakeholders, regions, and collaborative centres: Entities involved in the process of evaluating and implementing health technologies.
Currently, the Steering Committee is defining priorities based on a list of technologies already available on the AGENAS portal.
Training and Promoting HTA Culture
One of the key elements of the national plan is the dissemination of HTA culture through a comprehensive training program:
- Basic Training Plan:
- Three-day courses organized in collaboration with regions.
- Involvement of personnel in strategic roles related to purchases in local health authorities (ASLs) and hospitals.
- Objective: provide the necessary skills to implement HTA in decision-making processes.
- Advanced Training:
- Specific funding allocated for advanced courses targeting industry professionals.
- Establishment of a network of 20 high-level collaborative training centres to support AGENAS in technology evaluations.
Prospects and Impact of Health Technology Assessment in Italy
The national HTA plan marks a significant step forward toward a healthcare system where the adoption of new health technologies is based on solid and transparent evaluations. The structured governance, stakeholder involvement, and investment in widespread training are essential elements to ensure the program’s effectiveness.
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Laura Legnani – Marketing Services Manager
