Assessing health technologies in a changing world.

The author argues that a "narrowing down" in the scope of HTA that occurred at the end of the 1970s was paralleled by developments in bioethics at the same time. Both disciplines responded to changes in the institutional and political field in which they operated. Over the past 20 years, decision making in the health field has changed again. To remain relevant, HTA must evolve further. Building in mechanisms for consultation with stakeholders will be an important element in this adjustment.