Purchasing of medical equipment in public hospitals: the mini-HTA tool.

The mini-health technology assessment (HTA) tool is valuable in assessing the quality of decisions regarding health technology management in South African public hospitals. The tool demonstrates the needs for improved decision-making and for developing an appropriate, customised instrument to support decision makers regarding medical device management. Health technology in South Africa has changed rapidly over the past two decades. Current challenges include the introduction of rapidly developing diagnostic technologies such as point-of-care testing (POCT) devices and national health insurance. The mini-HTA tool can play an important role in effective and efficient management of health technology in this setting.