title: The HTA core model: a novel method for producing and reporting health technology assessments.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to develop and test a generic framework to enable international collaboration for producing and sharing results of health technology assessments (HTAs).
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten international teams constructed the HTA Core Model, dividing information contained in a comprehensive HTA into standardized pieces, the assessment elements. Each element contains a generic issue that is translated into practical research questions while performing an assessment. Elements were described in detail in element cards. Two pilot assessments, designated as Core HTAs were also produced. The Model and Core HTAs were both validated. Guidance on the use of the HTA Core Model was compiled into a Handbook.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The HTA Core Model considers health technologies through nine domains. Two applications of the Model were developed, one for medical and surgical interventions and another for diagnostic technologies. Two Core HTAs were produced in parallel with developing the model, providing the first real-life testing of the Model and input for further development. The results of formal validation and public feedback were primarily positive. Development needs were also identified and considered. An online Handbook is available.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The HTA Core Model is a novel approach to HTA. It enables effective international production and sharing of HTA results in a structured format. The face validity of the Model was confirmed during the project, but further testing and refining are needed to ensure optimal usefulness and user-friendliness. Core HTAs are intended to serve as a basis for local HTA reports. Core HTAs do not contain recommendations on technology use.
authors.affiliation: Finnish Office for Health Technology Assessment, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, 00271 Helsinki, Finland. kristian.lampe@thl.fi
authors.forename: Kristian
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lampe
authors.forename: Marjukka
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mäkelä
authors.forename: Marcial Velasco
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Garrido
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Anttila
authors.forename: Ilona
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Autti-Rämö
authors.forename: Nicholas J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Hicks
authors.forename: Björn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hofmann
authors.forename: Juha
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Koivisto
authors.forename: Regina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kunz
authors.forename: Pia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kärki
authors.forename: Antti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Malmivaara
authors.forename: Kersti
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Meiesaar
authors.forename: Päivi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Reiman-Möttönen
authors.forename: Inger
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Norderhaug
authors.forename: Iris
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pasternack
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ruano-Ravina
authors.forename: Pirjo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Räsänen
authors.forename: Ulla
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Saalasti-Koskinen
authors.forename: Samuli I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Saarni
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Walin
authors.forename: Finn Børlum
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Kristensen
mesh_terms: D033181:Information Dissemination; D007391:International Cooperation; D020407:Internet; D008491:Medical Informatics Applications; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012107:Research Design; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical