OBJECTIVES: Detailed, publicly available information on the process and methods for health technology assessment (HTA) of medical technologies (MTs) can be difficult to find. Our objective was to understand the process and methods for MT HTA used by the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH).
METHODS: A review of publicly available information from the CADTH website was performed and supplemented by an online survey that was completed by a CADTH representative. The survey requested information on the MT selection process, types of MT evaluated, timelines, and types of evidence considered as part of the HTA process. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained and collated in Excel.
RESULTS: The CADTH website provides brief information about the process and methods used for HTAs, which includes MTs. The online survey provided additional detail and confirmed that CADTH can evaluate invasive and non-invasive devices, diagnostics, digital technologies such as apps or software, and other programs of care. The MT selection process does not differ by technology type; the same external referral process is used for all. CADTH uses the same process for assessing MTs as for assessing pharmaceuticals. It considers clinical and economic data, opinions from healthcare professionals and patients, and other ethical considerations. Unpublished data can also be considered. It usually takes CADTH 9 to 12 months to complete an HTA for a MT.
CONCLUSIONS: A major challenge for MT companies is establishing whether a technology requires or is eligible for HTA in different markets. For Canada, information was available on the CADTH website, but contacting CADTH directly revealed additional details. MT companies should be prepared to contact HTA agencies directly to obtain necessary information to inform evidence generation and market access strategies, and HTA submission plans.
