Health Technology Assessment

This class will introduce students to principles, methods, and applications of health technology assessment (HTA). Students will learn (1) definitions and components of HTA and its history in the United States; (2) approaches to measurement of health benefits and costs; (3) methods of economic evaluation in HTA, including cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and budget impact analysis; (4) HTA agencies and processes in selected countries outside of the U.S. We will discuss advantages and disadvantages of different methods and metrics in HTA, as well as challenges and controversies regarding their role in health technology adoption decisions. Students will review recent health technology adoption decisions and discuss the future of HTA and economic evaluation in the U.S.