The history of health technology assessment in Norway.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe the Norwegian contribution to the broad picture of our international health technology assessment (HTA) history.


METHODS
A general examination of some pre-HTA activities, as consensus conferences, closer reading of all background papers to the establishment of an HTA agency in Norway, the ongoing activities of this agency, its evaluation, and its merge into a broader knowledge center for the health services were performed. All information and statements are the authors' own understandings, but also were reviewed by some of the people taken part in these processes.


RESULTS
The Norwegian HTA activity was set up rather late compared to, for instance, Sweden, and our involvement in Nordic early warning activities. This may be related to Norwegian scientists being more involved in the Cochrane Collaboration. However, when established, the HTA agency was regarded as highly successful in involving clinical experts and responding to questions arising from the macro- as well as micro-levels of decision makers. International collaboration was essential in building the capacity to serve all levels. After 6 years, the agency was merged with some related health service knowledge activities, into a new center.


CONCLUSIONS
During the 10 years' time, HTA has become a well-established activity in Norway.
Mørland
Berit
B
The Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, Oslo, Norway. berit.morland@nokc.no
D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D007391:International Cooperation; D009664:Norway; D016730:Program Development; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000266:history* / Q000458:organization & administration