Workshop Opportunity – Health Technology Assessment: From Theory to Evidence to Policy

This workshop is designed for participants with little to moderate knowledge of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) process who want to learn more about the components and conduct of high quality HTAs. Particular attention will be paid to the role of evidence and economic evaluation within the HTA framework. The course is suitable for a wide range of participants from academic, public or private sectors. Participants will be involved in a 3-day practical hands-on workshop teaching HTA methodology.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the course, participants will:

• understand the concepts, methods and critical issues in the design and conduct of HTA
• understand the different components of HTA and how to address them
• understand the critical role of evidence and economic evaluation methods in the HTA process
• be familiarized with introduction and advanced methods of economic evaluation through practical hands-on computer-based exercises
• appreciate different perspectives on HTA to complete the theory to evidence to policy loop

The course will present the theoretical and practical elements of HTA through a series of interactive lectures and computer-based exercises. Participants will learn how to compose a well-defined research question and to gather evidence to that end through internet-based literature searches. Subsequent synthesis of identified evidence will also be taught. Particular emphasis will be placed on economic evaluation as a component of HTA. Decision-trees and Markov models will be contrasted using real-world examples. Hands-on, Excel™-based exercises will guide participants through the “how-to” of trial and modelling-based economic evaluations.

Hands-on computer-based exercises will be carried out over the course of the workshop. Several tutors will be on hand to ensure a ratio of approximately 1 tutor for every 5 participants. Presenters at this workshop will consist of Michael Drummond, Mitchell Levine, Daria O’Reilly, Jean-Eric Tarride, Gord Blackhouse, Jim Bowen, Kaitryn Campbell, Robert Hopkins, Nazila Assasi and Bernice Tsoi.

For more information regarding this workshop visit: http://www.path-hta.ca or contact Donna Wilcockson (Workshop Co-ordinator).