Health technology assessment: a comprehensive framework for evidence-based recommendations in Ontario.
OBJECTIVE
This study describes the development of a framework for health technology decisions, for Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee (OHTAC) in Ontario, Canada.


METHODS
OHTAC convened a "Decision Determinants Sub-Committee" in January 2007, which undertook a systematic literature review and conducted key informant interviews to develop an explicit decision-making framework.


RESULTS
The "Decision Determinants Sub-Committee" offered recommendations about decision criteria, and the process by which decisions are made. Decision criteria include (i) overall clinical benefit, (ii) consistency with societal and ethical values, (iii) value for money, and (iv) feasibility of adoption into the health system. The decision process should be transparent and fair and should use a deliberative process in delivering recommendations.


CONCLUSIONS
This methodology is currently being pilot tested in a live environment: OHTAC. It will be evaluated and revised according to its feasibility, acceptability, and perceived usefulness.
Queen's University, Abramsky Hall, 21 Arch Street, Room 311, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada. ana.johnson@queensu.ca
Ana P
AP
Johnson
Nancy J
NJ
Sikich
Gerald
G
Evans
William
W
Evans
Mita
M
Giacomini
Murray
M
Glendining
Murray
M
Krahn
Les
L
Levin
Paul
P
Oh
Charmaine
C
Perera
D003657:Decision Making; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006291:Health Policy; D006292:Health Priorities; D006801:Humans; D009864:Ontario; D011050:Policy Making; D012924:Social Conditions; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000379:methods*