Page 11 - HTAIn an Introduction
P. 11
An HTA is not an attempt to block patients from receiving new
treatments. It does not give a decision maker a “yes” or “no”
scenario rather, it provides a summary of evidence on the value of
the new technology, highlighting any undocumented benefits and
challenges. Decision makers then must weigh the evidence against
their resource constraints and finalize a solution entailing maximum
health benefits out of minimum incurred costs
HTAs do not insinuate that human life can be summarized to one
monetary value nor does it suppress innovation. “In simple terms, an
HTA is a tool for decision making in a world of scarce resources.”
As patients, subscribers of insurance products and taxpayers, we all
have a vested interest in understanding how well new technologies
work and ensuring we create a sustainable healthcare system
