Evidence framework for the assessment of health technologies
What evidence do we need?
See below for the criteria used in health technology assessment by the Scottish Health Technologies Group at Healthcare Improvement Scotland
At Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG) we’re often asked what level or types of evidence are required for a health technology to be given the green light for approval of use in Scotland. This is a difficult question to answer. The nature of health technologies, different types of evidence, and the complexity of decision making means that there is no set threshold for what is ‘enough’ evidence.
That said, when assessing a health technology, our goal is simple; we want to be sure that the technology improves the quality of health and care in Scotland. Does it make a difference to outcomes that matter? Whether they are service user outcomes, system outcomes or both. We want a full understanding of the technology. This will include gathering information on:
- Exactly what the technology is.
- Where in the system will it be used.
- What will it add or replace?
- Does it work?
- Is it effective?
- Is it safe?
- Is it a good use of money?
- What do service users and clinicians think of it?
The evidence in response to these questions doesn’t have to be complicated, but we do need it to be transparent, understandable, accurate, objective, robust and timely.
