Early HTA – a tool for better adapted health innovation
Researcher at Forhelse and TIPS Helse Sør-Øst, Linn Nathalie Støme has published a commentary article in the “International Journal for Technology Assessment in Health Care”
The article is a commentary on the first consensus-based definition of Early HTA. This is a major international effort, and very important for the implementation and dissemination of Early HTA, which is work package 3 in Forhelse.
What if we could know earlier whether new healthcare innovations are really worth investing in – before large sums are spent on research, development and procurement?
This is precisely what early health technology assessment (early HTA) can help with. With over 100 submissions, researchers have established the first consensus-based definition of early HTA. It is defined as an assessment that informs decisions on further development, research and investment, by evaluating the potential value of a method at an early stage.
This is important because new health innovations are often developed without the needs of the health service being clearly identified – and without certain knowledge of the value the change provides. Early HTAs can thus help to reduce the waste of research funding and ensure that new solutions actually meet real needs.
In her commentary article, Linn Støme highlights how early HTAs can play a key role in public and private collaborations, technology transfer and public procurement. By clarifying the value of technology at an early stage, it can be easier to invest in solutions that provide health and social benefits. For example, public sector actors can use the method to set clearer requirements in procurements, and based on early assessments of needs, private actors can adapt the development of new products.
In Norway, the method has been used in research projects for several years, but is not yet part of the national system for introducing new health technology and services. Now we hope that the new definition can be a turning point – and pave the way for wider use in both health policy and innovation.
In short: Early evaluations can lead to better decisions, smarter investments and more sustainable healthcare innovation.