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Use of health technology assessment in decision making: Coresponsibility of users and producers?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 April 2005

Myriam Hivon ,
Pascale Lehoux ,
Jean-Louis Denis  and
Stéphanie Tailliez
Myriam Hivon
Affiliation:
University of Montreal
Pascale Lehoux
Affiliation:
University of Montreal
Jean-Louis Denis
Affiliation:
University of Montreal
Stéphanie Tailliez
Affiliation:
University of Montreal
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Abstract

Objectives: Health technology assessment (HTA) is a policy-oriented form of research designed to inform decision-makers on the introduction, use, and dissemination of health technology. Whereas research on knowledge transfer has focused on knowledge producers, little attention has been given to the user's perspective. This study examines how health-care provider, administrator, and patient associations across Canada use HTA reports and the limitations they encounter when accessing and using scientific knowledge.

Methods: This study draws from semistructured interviews (n = 42) conducted with three types of user, located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec. Applying well-established conceptual categories in knowledge utilization research, our qualitative analyses sought to define more precisely how HTA is used by interviewees as well as the most significant barriers they encounter.

Results: The vast majority of users recognize the usefulness and credibility of HTA reports. Of interest, the way they use HTA takes different forms. Although administrators and health-care providers are in a better position than patient associations to act directly on HTA messages—making an instrumental use of HTA—we also found conceptual and symbolic uses across all groups. Our results also indicate that significant organizational, scientific, and material limitations hinder the use of scientific evidence. Overcoming such barriers requires a greater commitment from both HTA producers and users.

Conclusions: This study argues that, to ensure better uptake of HTA, it should become a shared responsibility between HTA producers and various types of user.

Keywords

Health technology assessmentKnowledge disseminationKnowledge useLimitations in the use of scientific evidenceDecision making
Type
RESEARCH REPORTS
Information
International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care , Volume 21 , Issue 2 , April 2005 , pp. 268 - 275
Copyright
© 2005 Cambridge University Press

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