Services

HTA is “a multidisciplinary process that uses explicit methods to determine the value of a health technology at different points in its lifecycle. The purpose is to inform decision-making in order to promote an equitable, efficient, and high-quality health system.” Source: HTA Glossary

Our HTA work involves the use of systematic methods to evaluate of several key aspects of a health technology, including:

• Clinical safety, efficacy and effectiveness
• Cost-effectiveness and budgetary impact modelling
• Legal, social, ethical and organisational issues

R&E ASERNIP-S conducts HTA reviews for national and international governments, on a range of topics, including pharmaceuticals, blood products, implantable medical devices, diagnostic imaging, genetic testing, and surgical procedures.

R&E ASERNIP-S produces health economic modelling as part of HTA evaluations, or as standalone projects. Our health economics team specialises in economic modelling for diagnostic and therapeutic technologies using different techniques, including: 

• Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis
• Decision-tree models
• Markov models
• Discrete event simulations
• Budget impact analysis

With an in-depth understanding of applying biostatistical analyses for clinical data, the team can translate comparative clinical effectiveness results of health technologies into economic outcomes to facilitate decision making.

Horizon scanning reports examine emerging health technologies and services that are likely to have a significant impact on health systems. By evaluating the stage of development and evidence supporting emerging technologies, horizon scanning reports enable decision makers to understand the likely uptake and impact of a technology or service, and implement policies to effectively manage the diffusion of disruptive technologies into the health system.

R&E ASERNIP-S works with a range of stakeholders that face different political, financial, and contextual challenges. We work with clients to design fit-for-purpose evaluation frameworks to suit their specific needs. This may involve a range of evidence synthesis products, including:

• Comprehensive systematic reviews
• Bespoke rapid reviews
• Evidence-based position papers
• Patient/physician education sheets
• Expert elicitation and stakeholder workshops

The continual evolution and innovation of health technologies requires a constant revision of the methods used to evaluate these products. R&E ASERNIP-S has worked with the Australian Government to develop novel methods for evaluating diagnostic imaging services for rare cancers, a product class that would typically not be evaluable with standard HTA methods.

R&E ASERNIP-S provides training and mentorship in evidence synthesis for medical, biomedical and surgical trainees. Our students gain skills in systematic reviews, data analysis, HTA and economic analyses, and develop their publication track record. We provide oversight and supervision for undergraduate and post-graduate students conducting their own independent research projects, as well as internship placements.

Contact R&E ASERNIPS at research.evaluation@surgeons.org or by phone on +61 8 8219 0900