EUnetHTA Adaptation Glossary (beta)

Issue

Equity, together with efficiency are two of the main driving principles in health care planning and provision of care in publicly financed health care systems. The concept of equity is a complex concept, but most would agree with the definition of “equal access to equal treatment for people with similar level of need”. One of the main objectives of the policy makers is to reach the adequate balance between equity and efficiency.

Relevance and dimensions of equity in HTA

Equity has a relevant role in different stages of HTA:

1.- Allocating resources according economic evaluation results from (eg.) cost-effectiveness analysis. It is important to note, however, the lack of consensus about the adequacy of cost-effectiveness analysis to promote equity in health care resources distribution.
2. - Fair distribution of health technologies, ensuring “equal access” once the incorporation of a specific technology has been decided.

Example
A good example of a health technology that increases equity in access to care is telemedicine; given its capabilities to provide a wide range of health care services to underserved people in remote places. Telemedicine is also a good example of a technology that adequately combines equity and efficiency.