Best-worst scaling to assess the most important barriers and facilitators for the use of health technology assessment in Austria. (4th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Feig, Chiara; Cheung, Kei Long; Hiligsmann, Mickaël; Evers, Silvia M. A. A.; Simon, Judit; Mayer, Susanne
• Is Part Of: Expert review of pharmacoeconomics & outcomes research. Volume 18:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 223
• Page End: 232
• Publication Date: 2018-03-04
• Subjects: Health technology assessment -- barriers -- facilitators -- best-worst scaling -- decision-making -- stakeholders; Pharmacology -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; 338.47615105
• DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2017.1375407
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7167

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : Although Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is increasingly used to support evidence-based decision-making in health care, several barriers and facilitators for the use of HTA have been identified. This best-worst scaling (BWS) study aims to assess the relative importance of selected barriers and facilitators of the uptake of HTA studies in Austria. Methods : A BWS object case survey was conducted among 37 experts in Austria to assess the relative importance of HTA barriers and facilitators. Hierarchical Bayes estimation was applied, with the best-worst count analysis as sensitivity analysis. Subgroup analyses were also performed on professional role and HTA experience. Results : The most important barriers were 'lack of transparency in the decision-making process', 'fragmentation', 'absence of appropriate incentives', 'no explicit framework for decision-making process', and 'insufficient legal support'. The most important facilitators were 'transparency in the decision-making process', 'availability of relevant HTA research for policy makers', 'availability of explicit framework for decision-making process', 'sufficient legal support', and 'appropriate incentives'. Conclusion : This study suggests that HTA barriers and facilitators related to the context of decision makers, especially 'policy characteristics' and 'organization and resources' are the most important in Austria. A transparent and participatory decision-making process could improve the adoption of HTA evidence.