The knowledge and attitude of Ghanaian decision-makers and researchers towards health technology assessment

Addo, R; Hall, J; Haas, M; Goodall, S

The knowledge and attitude of Ghanaian decision-makers and researchers towards health technology assessment

Addo, R

Hall, J

Haas, M

Goodall, S

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Publisher:: Elsevier BV
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Social Science & Medicine, 2020, 250, pp. 1-10
Issue Date:: 2020-04

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Addo, R https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5970-1122
dc.contributor.author	Hall, J https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2191-0543
dc.contributor.author	Haas, M https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9726-3063
dc.contributor.author	Goodall, S https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6611-6565
dc.date.accessioned	2022-01-17T22:15:52Z
dc.date.available	2020-02-25
dc.date.available	2022-01-17T22:15:52Z
dc.date.issued	2020-04
dc.identifier.citation	Social Science & Medicine, 2020, 250, pp. 1-10
dc.identifier.issn	0277-9536
dc.identifier.issn	1873-5347
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/153225
dc.description.abstract	Although health technology assessment (HTA) is intended to provide policymakers with objective information, the likelihood that a health decision-maker (HDM) will use this information is associated with their knowledge, role and perception of the HTA process. In Ghana, policymakers are working towards formalising the use of HTA, but HDM knowledge of and attitude towards HTA are not known. Between March and May 2016, we conducted in-depth interviews and used inductive thematic analysis to explore Ghanaian HDMs (n = 23) and researchers' (n = 4) perceptions of and barriers to HTA and identify ways to promote HTA. We compare our findings with those reported in previous studies conducted in low-and-middle-income countries. Common themes were that resources, political and cultural factors act as barriers to HTA use. Recommendations made in previous studies which were also identified in this study included the need for the development of both human and data capacity, allocating funds to HTA and stakeholder involvement in HTA processes. Specific recommendations made by Ghanaian HDMs and researchers in this study focused on the establishment of an HTA body: its location, the constitution of the appraisal team, the type of evidence to appraise and who makes the final decision. The findings provide important information in the context of current planning to institutionalise HTA in Ghana. Addressing the identified barriers will enable policymakers to maximise the chances of realising the expected benefits of HTA, as participants who are potential producers and end-users are likely to use what they have contributed to.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	Elsevier BV
dc.relation.ispartof	Social Science & Medicine
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.112889
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
dc.subject	11 Medical and Health Sciences, 14 Economics, 16 Studies in Human Society
dc.subject.classification	Public Health
dc.title	The knowledge and attitude of Ghanaian decision-makers and researchers towards health technology assessment
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	250
utslib.location.activity	England
utslib.for	140208 Health Economics
utslib.for	1117 Public Health and Health Services
utslib.for	11 Medical and Health Sciences
utslib.for	14 Economics
utslib.for	16 Studies in Human Society
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CHERE - Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	false
dc.date.updated	2022-01-17T22:15:50Z
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	250

Abstract:

Although health technology assessment (HTA) is intended to provide policymakers with objective information, the likelihood that a health decision-maker (HDM) will use this information is associated with their knowledge, role and perception of the HTA process. In Ghana, policymakers are working towards formalising the use of HTA, but HDM knowledge of and attitude towards HTA are not known. Between March and May 2016, we conducted in-depth interviews and used inductive thematic analysis to explore Ghanaian HDMs (n = 23) and researchers' (n = 4) perceptions of and barriers to HTA and identify ways to promote HTA. We compare our findings with those reported in previous studies conducted in low-and-middle-income countries. Common themes were that resources, political and cultural factors act as barriers to HTA use. Recommendations made in previous studies which were also identified in this study included the need for the development of both human and data capacity, allocating funds to HTA and stakeholder involvement in HTA processes. Specific recommendations made by Ghanaian HDMs and researchers in this study focused on the establishment of an HTA body: its location, the constitution of the appraisal team, the type of evidence to appraise and who makes the final decision. The findings provide important information in the context of current planning to institutionalise HTA in Ghana. Addressing the identified barriers will enable policymakers to maximise the chances of realising the expected benefits of HTA, as participants who are potential producers and end-users are likely to use what they have contributed to.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/153225