HOSPITAL-BASED HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN IRAN

摘要

Background: Hospitals with health technology assessment (HTA) programs have reported its positive effects on the management of resources and costs. This study aimed to identify the barriers faced by hospital-based HTA (HBHTA) in Iran by inductive content analysis of stakeholders’ and decision-makers’ points of view. Methods: The key individuals and organizations that could provide rich, relevant, and diverse data in response to the research question were purposively selected for the interviews and focus group discussion. Results: Twelve stakeholders from seven public hospitals participated in the interviews. Another eighteen stakeholders from twelve HBHTA-related organizations took part in the focus group discussion. Most of the hospitals’ senior management team did not feel the need for HBHTA and believed that in Iran a systematic process like HTA faces many challenges. Conclusions: The stakeholders participating in this study highlighted the significance of certain points that needed to be addressed before establishing HBHTA in Iran.