Health Technology Assessment - Principles and Practices

The module introduces students to the principles of health technology assessment (HTA) and its place in healthcare decision making. The aim of the module is to provide students with an understanding of: what technologies are; the rationale underpinning the need for HTA; the history of the development of HTA; organisations, systems and approaches to HTA; and the differing perspectives of the role and use of HTA.

The module takes students on a journey from the regulation of technologies, through the mechanisms underpinning the evidence based approach to their adoption by healthcare systems on clinical and cost-effectiveness grounds to the influence of HTA on the continued development of new technologies. These stages of HTA are illustrated throughout by reference to real world examples.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module you should be able to:

  • Describe the different types of health technologies and demonstrate the different evidence requirements for regulation
  • Recognise and describe the different stages of the HTA cycle (horizon scanning, prioritisation, evidence assessment, policy making, dissemination and implementation)
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the information and evidence requirements for healthcare policy making in the context of new and existing health technologies.
  • Understand the rationale underpinning the need for HTA from a healthcare, economic and societal perspective.
  • Describe the origins, development, and current status of HTA in England, elsewhere in the UK, and internationally.
  • Explore critically the current systems for HTA and health care policy making in the UK with particular reference to local commissioning and national decision making (e.g. NICE)

Credits

10 credits

Module Attendance Required

One block week of teaching

Module Dates

2012/13
22 - 26 October 2012 

Assessment

One 2,500 word essay from a choice of titles.

Academics involved in the delivery of this module:

Dr David Moore – Senior Lecturer
Dr Derek Ward – Deputy Director, NHSC

Stand Alone Course

This module can be taken as a stand alone course if required. To apply please contact us.

All applications for the module must be received by the Programme Administrator a minimum of one month before the start date of the module.

Fee if taken as a stand alone module

For further information on fees please contact the Programme Administrator.

Entry requirements if taken as a stand alone course

For further information on requirements please contact the Programme Administrator.

Course fact file

Type of Course: Module, continuing professional development