WP4 - Common Core HTA

WP4 Description (excerpt from the Grant Agreement with the European Commission):

Objectives

1. To produce examples of context-independent HTA topics (Core HTAs) for two different types of questions (e.g. diagnosis and treatment).

2. Linked to the HTA production to develop a generic methodological HTA framework based on current best practices (Core HTA Structure).

3. To support the adaptability testing of Core HTAs in various national HTA agencies (Adaptation, WP5) and to finalise the Core Structure after the testing.

4. To participate in the development of models for policy transferability of national adaptations based on these Core HTAs (Transferability, WP6)

5. To examine the need for developing additional types of Core Structures.

Description of work

Core HTA Structure development is based on the ECHTA/ECAHI project alongside the development of actual examples of Core HTAs. The Core HTA Structure provides detailed methods for compiling data on effectiveness with necessary information about social, economic, legal and ethical issues. It supports independence from specific context but will list any issues that may be meaningful to include for adaptation and applicability in various national HTA contexts. It will be discussed during the development phase with partners from various health care structures. The first Core HTA Topic will be developed. M 10-18: Second Core HTA Topic will be developed and Core Structure tested for applicability. Results of testing will be used to finalise the Core Structure (and WP5 uses the results for developing the adaptation structure). A three-day meeting will be held to discuss the testing experiences. Comments from Adaptation WP5 will be incorporated into the Core Structures. Core HTA Structures finalised, structure and contents for the Producer and User Handbook for Core HTA Topics is written, consulted upon and final handbook produced. Collaboration with WP5 and WP6 continued and necessary parts from these included in the User Guide. First Core HTA finalised. M 31-36: Second Core HTA finalised. Handbook published in its electronic format allowing further editing and adjustments as needed. Draft Core Structures for other types of topics started if necessary.

Milestones

Date	Milestone
Month 8	Workshop for evaluating Core Structure
M10	1st Draft Core HTA Topic ready for applicability testing
M11	Training meeting for APs testing Core Topics
M18	Meeting to discuss results of applic.testing & development needs
M33	Second Core HTA finalised, Handbook on Core HTA development and use

Deliverables

1. Core HTA Structures for two different types of questions (therapy, diagnosis). 2. Core HTA pilot examples for two different types of questions.

3. Collaboration with WP5 in Quality Management Procedure planning and with WP6 in planning for transferability to policy.

4. Workshops for testing adaptation and transferability (arranged by WPs 5 and 6) 5. Handbook on Core HTA development and use