Chugh Yashika, Lakshmi Josyula K, Bahuguna Pankaj, Kaur Navneet, Jan Stephen, Prinja Shankar
Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh, 160 012, India.
The George Institute for Global Health, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Appl Health Econ Health Policy. 2025 Sep 6. doi: 10.1007/s40258-025-00995-4.
This study aims to evaluate the technical quality of health technology assessment (HTA) studies conducted in India. Second, we aim to identify process-related challenges across the life cycle of an HTA from commissioning to policy translation.
A mixed-methods approach was employed to assess HTA studies conducted between 2018 and 2023 conducted by ten regional resource centers. The quantitative assessment involved reviewing 26 HTA reports using the Indian HTA Quality Appraisal Checklist. The qualitative component included semi-structured interviews with staff from six regional resource centers and the Health Technology Assessment in India secretariat to explore the processes of topic selection, study conduct, stakeholder engagement, and evidence to policy translation. Quantitative data were analyzed through scoring and categorization into quality ratings, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically using the framework method.
In the quantitative assessment, 14% (n = 3) of studies were found to be of excellent quality, 50% (n = 11) were deemed to be of good quality, 32% (n = 7) were of average quality, and only one (4%) of poor quality. The qualitative findings highlighted limited adherence to guidelines, challenges in framing the topic, and gaps in technical expertise for advanced analyses. Additionally, a high staff turnover, the need for better stakeholder consultations, and strategies to disseminate the evidence were also highlighted.
These findings emphasize the need for improvements in adherence to guidelines, transparency in topic selection, and alignment of HTA findings with policy needs. Investments in training, advanced methodology guidance, and systematic communication between researchers and policy makers are crucial to enhancing HTA's impact in India.
本研究旨在评估在印度开展的卫生技术评估（HTA）研究的技术质量。其次，我们旨在识别从委托开展到政策转化的HTA生命周期中与流程相关的挑战。
采用混合方法评估2018年至2023年期间由十个区域资源中心开展的HTA研究。定量评估包括使用印度HTA质量评估清单对26份HTA报告进行审查。定性部分包括对六个区域资源中心的工作人员以及印度卫生技术评估秘书处进行半结构化访谈，以探讨主题选择、研究开展、利益相关者参与以及证据到政策转化的过程。定量数据通过评分和分类为质量等级进行分析，而定性数据则使用框架方法进行主题分析。
在定量评估中，发现14%（n = 3）的研究质量优秀，50%（n = 11）被认为质量良好，32%（n = 7）质量中等，只有一项（4%）质量较差。定性研究结果突出了对指南的遵守有限、主题框架方面的挑战以及高级分析技术专长的差距。此外，还强调了员工流动率高、需要更好地与利益相关者进行协商以及传播证据的策略。
这些发现强调了在遵守指南、主题选择的透明度以及使HTA结果与政策需求保持一致方面进行改进的必要性。在培训、先进方法指导以及研究人员与政策制定者之间的系统沟通方面进行投资对于增强HTA在印度的影响力至关重要。
