Survey on the involvement of consumers in health technology assessment programs.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to obtain information from members of the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment (INAHTA) on their involvement of consumers (patients, carers, and related organizations) in their programs.


METHODS
A questionnaire for a survey was developed and sent to member agencies in October 2005.


RESULTS
Of the thirty-seven agencies that provided responses, 57 percent involve consumers in some aspects of their HTA programs and 83 percent intend to involve consumers in the future. Summaries of HTA reports that are intended to be easily understood by consumers are prepared by 49 percent of the agencies, and 36 percent involve consumers in dissemination of HTA material.


CONCLUSIONS
Most INAHTA members involve consumers in some aspects of their programs, although not always routinely. Involvement seems likely to increase in the future.
Hailey
David
D
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research and University of Calgary, Canada. dhailey@ozemail.com.au
Nordwall
Margareta
M
D003256:Community Participation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration