Evaluating the quality of health technology assessment research reports until 2020: the experience of a developing country, Islamic Republic of Iran

Abstract

Background: There is no single method for health technology assessment (HTA) which can be used in all countries to meet all the needs of the health care system policy- and decision-makers. Still, some minimum criteria for performing HTA should be in place in all the HTA structures worldwide, and many HTA agencies have reached a consensus in this regard. Aim: This study aimed to assess the quality of Iranian HTA reports. Method: Were examined all the HTA research reports published by the Iranian HTA office up to 2020. The International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment checklist was employed for quality assessment. Results: A total of 97 reports were examined: only 10.0% had presented complete and appropriate contact details for obtaining further information, and 5.6% clearly stated a conflict of interests. In 87.78% of the reports, the scope of assessment was clearly determined. The quality of the reports was relatively appropriate as well as the details of the sources of information and text search strategies. Legal aspects, economic analysis, ethical implications, social implications and other stakeholder perspectives were taken into account in 7.8%, 74.4%, 11.1%, 8.9%, and 4.4% of the reports, respectively. Conclusion: As Iranian HTA reports are not of suitable quality, it is recommended that minimum standard criteria be revised and modified in the HTA process so that large-scale health care policy- and decision-makers can make reliable decisions on the basis of the results.