Finland

FinOHTA, STAKES, Finland

In our view transferability should not be understood as something related to "organisational context" only. Two countries may have similar organisational structure, but transferability may still be an issue (if e.g. the genetic profile of the populations is different).

FinOHTA, STAKES, Finland

Rapid review is an HTA report produced through an accelerated process. The form and contents of the review may vary according to the needs of stakeholders and availability of resources. A rapid review addresses only select aspects of a full HTA, and the methods used to gather and analyse the data may be limited. Rapid reviews may be limited in one or more ways:

Question framing: the scope of the assessment may be narrowed to a narrow aspect

Identifying relevant literature: the search may be based only on databases on systematic reviews or HTA reports

FinOHTA, STAKES, Finland

What is a Guideline?

The purpose of a guideline is to assist practitioners and patients in making decisions about healthcare interventions in a specific situation (IOM 1990?)

Different types of guidelines

Guidelines are produced through different processes and their quality varies. Evidence based guidelines are based on a systematic analysis of existing literature and appraisal of the evidence. Guidelines can also be based on a consensus of clinical experts, stakeholders etc.

FinOHTA, STAKES, Finland

In our view transferability should not be understood as something related to "organisational context" only. Two countries may have similar organisational structure, but transferability may still be an issue (if e.g. the genetic profile of the populations is different).

FinOHTA, STAKES, Finland

Within an HTA project equity can be defined as fairness when allocating resources and interventions among individuals or groups. Equity issues are important both in relation to needs and access to services. Equity as an ethical imperative has to be taken into account when organizing health care systems, setting goals, and allocating health care resources.

FinOHTA, STAKES, Finland

The development and research activities should always be based on the principle of transparency. Internationally, financial and other conflicts of interest are being declared with increasing openness. Especially in research projects it is important to declare any financial or other interests that might influence the approaches taken by the researchers in the project or while drafting the final report. The persons' own assessment in this matter should be trusted and the information given should be dealt confidentially.

FinOHTA, STAKES, Finland

The Core Model for health technology assessment defines and standardizes elements of assessment. It supports the production of HTAs that are independent of specific context and identifies issues relevant for adaptation in national settings.

FinOHTA, STAKES, Finland

Applicability, in research terminology, is used when studies conducted in one setting are assessed to determine whether their results/conclusions can be used or implemented in other settings. Examples: e.g. "We appraise foreign results against local conditions and evaluate their applicability in Finland"

Another example of the use of term applicability comes from the implementation stage of a research project. Researchers should ensure that their results are communicated in such a way that they are applicable in daily practice.

FinOHTA, STAKES, Finland

The main aim of determining affordability in the health care sector is to evaluate whether the expenses of the intervention can be met.

In addition to an intervention's effectiveness, decision-making requires consideration of the intervention's feasibility, sustainability and affordability. Affordability also tells us something about the value of alternative health-care services.

While considering affordability, it is important to take into account all possible costs and consequences of an intervention.