São Paulo State Health Technology Assessment Network: first steps

Abstract

Health technology assessment is a method to study healthcare products, programs and strategies, in order to provide solid basis for decision making concerning its adoption, use and reforms. São Paulo State is multiplying its health technology assessment capacity through integration of its hospitals with the state and local public managers, aiming to improve the healthcare planning. Currently, the São Paulo HTA Network has 33 hospitals and other institutions integrated with the São Paulo State Health Secretariat and over one hundred trained professionals. Needs, interests or institutional opportunities were identified and priorities were set according to the magnitude of disease burden, technology characteristics or its healthcare impact, through by participants’ consensus. For a variety of themes, single or multicenter clinical studies or scientific literature reviews are being developed using the Health Ministry’s Directive and methods. Broad internal and regional discussions may lead to an exponential growth of public policy implementation efforts, development of innovative solutions and improve healthcare processes. Therefore, the Hospitals’ HTA centers of São Paulo HTA Network offer a direct link with the SP Health Secretariat, as well as a local inter-active and integrative strength, building knowledge, articulation and local and regional healthcare innovation.