Supervisors info:
Ιωάννης Υφαντόπουλος, Ομότιμος Καθηγητής, Τμήμα πολιτικής Επιστήμης και Δημόσιας Διοήκησης ,ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
INTRODUCTION: Health Technology Assessment (HTA) examines the short and long-term effects of using a health technology. This is an interdisciplinary process that summarizes information on medical, social, economic and ethical issues related to the use of health technology in a systematic, transparent, impartial and reliable manner. In cases of lack of data, the ATP can be used to generate information. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is not only applicable in Europe: it has been used by health care providers around the world and its use is constantly increasing. A European Commission initiative is under way in Europe to establish a joint European Assessment of the Member States of the European Union with a view to partially replacing national evaluations.
OBJECTIVES: The recording of stakeholders' opinions on the use of Health Technology Assessment methods in pharmaceutical policy decisions in Greece.
METHODS: Qualitative and quantitative research was carried out on interested parties on the use of Health Technology Assessment methods in Greece. Participants were selected by deliberate sampling. The main criterion for choosing these was their professional engagement and general knowledge of HTA processes. Representatives of Health Service Organizations, decision-makers (Ministry of Health & ΕΟF), pharmaceutical companies through the SFEE Association, patient associations and academic scientific bodies were selected. Of the 23 people approached, 16 people agreed to participate in the survey (response rate of 69.5%). For the analysis of qualitative research data, the content analysis method was used through 18 open questions in the form of semi-structured interviews with a holistic approach. The interviews were conducted between May and July 2018. In addition, with a view to quantification, generalization and confirmation of stakeholder responses, a quantitative survey was carried out with a self-completion structured questionnaire including 13 closed-ended questions. Descriptive data analysis was based on S.P.S. 25.
RESULTS: According to the participants, there is an urgent need for the wide application of HTA methods. It is considered a "tool" suitable for the systematisation of pharmaceutical policy decisions. The establishment of an HTA organization is a request for unanimous acceptance, although variations are noted regarding its role and jurisdiction. Apart from reservations regarding technical and legal prerequisites, the change in culture and the adoption of greater transparency are seen as necessary conditions for the implementation of a successful HTA system. The latter also applies to the introduction of Risk Sharing Agreements which are seen as a complementary tool to reducing pharmaceutical expenditure. At present, there is a consensus on the necessity of an HTA. The Greek political authorities in the health sector, on the demand of the troika, took an initiative to set up an archeological health technology assessment committee. For successful implementation, it is crucial to involve and involve all stakeholders directly. This thesis attempts to synthesize and evaluate with up to date the disadvantages, the advantages, the degree of applicability and the impact of the adoption of the Health Technology Assessment in Greece.
CONCLUSIONS: The introduction and implementation of the HTA in Greece has lagged far, compared to what is happening in the rest of Europe and globally. Even today, at least at least for regulatory purposes, this effort has been fragmented, unfinished and does not seem to serve the purposes for which this has happened. At present, a unanimous agreement is reached by all the parties concerned as to the necessity of this. This will have a positive impact on the rationalization of pharmaceutical spending in Greece and the better exploitation of health system resources that are now scarce.
