Debjani Mueller1,2, Iñaki Gutierrez-Ibarluzea3, Marco Chiumente4, Wija Oortwijn5. 1. Department of Health Care Management, Berlin University of Technology, Straße des 17. Juni 135, Berlin10623, Germany. 2. Charlotte Maxeke Medical Research Cluster (CMeRC), Wits Health Consortium, 31 Princess of Wales Terrace, Park Town, Johannesburg2193, South Africa. 3. Basque Foundation for Innovation and Research in Health (BIOEF), Torre del BEC (Bilbao Exhibition Centre), Ronda de Azkue 1, Barakaldo48902, Basque Country (Spain). 4. Scientific Direction, Italian Society for Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics (SIFaCT), Via Carlo Farini 81, Milano20159, Italy. 5. Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Centre, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences (RIHS), PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Depending on the health system context and the demands of relevant stakeholders in countries, the need, organizational structure, and prerequisites for enabling capacity building and development in health technology assessment (HTA) will vary. Core competencies are instrumental in this and include essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs). They provide building blocks for delivering high-quality and effective practices of HTA. We aimed to systematically explore and develop an overview of the core competencies necessary for HTA. METHODS: This study was conducted during 2016-19 using different methods in a structured manner. We drew concepts of KSAs from various literature sources, surveyed universities and HTA professionals, and conducted expert workshops to arrive at a common understanding of the required competencies. RESULTS: The terminology for KSAs defining competencies in HTA programs has been clarified. In addition, a list of competencies offered through different educational and training programs has been created. The surveys provided clarity on a common understanding of KSAs among HTA stakeholders. Thereafter, a set of competencies was described and classified according to the HTA domains. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that there is diversity in HTA programs offered by educational institutions. The content of the programs varies due to differences between countries regarding the level of HTA development and the need for HTA, including the understanding of what HTA is. The preparation of a competency checklist or a "menu" of options mirroring the diversity of HTA will ensure that the specific needs of the HTA community will be covered.
BACKGROUND: Depending on the health system context and the demands of relevant stakeholders in countries, the need, organizational structure, and prerequisites for enabling capacity building and development in health technology assessment (HTA) will vary. Core competencies are instrumental in this and include essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs). They provide building blocks for delivering high-quality and effective practices of HTA. We aimed to systematically explore and develop an overview of the core competencies necessary for HTA. METHODS: This study was conducted during 2016-19 using different methods in a structured manner. We drew concepts of KSAs from various literature sources, surveyed universities and HTA professionals, and conducted expert workshops to arrive at a common understanding of the required competencies. RESULTS: The terminology for KSAs defining competencies in HTA programs has been clarified. In addition, a list of competencies offered through different educational and training programs has been created. The surveys provided clarity on a common understanding of KSAs among HTA stakeholders. Thereafter, a set of competencies was described and classified according to the HTA domains. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that there is diversity in HTA programs offered by educational institutions. The content of the programs varies due to differences between countries regarding the level of HTA development and the need for HTA, including the understanding of what HTA is. The preparation of a competency checklist or a "menu" of options mirroring the diversity of HTA will ensure that the specific needs of the HTA community will be covered.
Keywords:
Capacity building; Capacity development; Competencies; Health technology assessment (HTA)