Health Technology Assessment. Methodologies for Developing Countries
Abstract
Evaluative research in area of health technology assessment (HTA) and training of researchers in medicine schools of public health and training programs in health management should be promoted. The focus when evaluating health technology in developing countries should consider such issues as equitable distribution quality of care probability of access and other ethical social economic and political concerns in development. HTA can lead developing countries towards a more rational utilization of health care if policies development plans and budgets are earmarked towards communities with greatest health needs. Technology has been defined as the drug devices and medical and surgical procedures used in medical care and organizational and supportive systems within which such are is provided. However this definition must be expanded to include knowledge that health providers and communities can use to solve health problems and improve health status of populations. Health has been defined as a complex state of physical social and psychological wellness requiring multiple interventions. The relationship between medial technology options appropriate to local conditions that can produce optimal health improvements within limitations set by human and financial resources. The challenge of this task lies in appropriateness of interventions because it not only refers to availability of infrastructure but should be compatible with environment social and legal conditions. (Authors modified).