DSI, Denmark
Issue
Applicability is closely related to generalisability, which is a prerequisite for adapting a HTA report to a local setting. As health care systems and patients are not the same in different countries, the approach or studies do not always apply to the local context Therefore, the applicability of the report must be reviewed.
Process
When testing for, or when considering, the applicability of a HTA report the researcher must decide whether the treatment effect will be similar in the population they are facing. Issues that must be considered are for example:
-Epidemiological issues - Does the population face the same incidence and prevalence of the conditions, or is it likely that differences significantly will alter the potential benefits and risks of the treatment or screening program?
-Organizational issues - Do differences in the structure of the health care system make the technology more or less relevant (e.g. pre-hospital care in Greenland vs. pre-hospital care in Denmark)?
-Socioeconomic issues - Are differences in patient or provider compliance to be expected?
-Biological Issues - Are there genetic or demographic differences in the illness under study that may lead to a different treatment response?