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Health Technology Assessment in Thailand: Institutionalization and Contribution to Healthcare Decision Making: Review of Literature

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2019

Pattara Leelahavarong ,
Suradech Doungthipsirikul ,
Suthasinee Kumluang ,
Akanittha Poonchai ,
Nitichen Kittiratchakool ,
Danai Chinnacom ,
Netnapis Suchonwanich  and
Sripen Tantivess
Pattara Leelahavarong
Affiliation:
Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Muang, Nonthaburi, Thailand
Suradech Doungthipsirikul*
Affiliation:
Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Muang, Nonthaburi, Thailand
Suthasinee Kumluang
Affiliation:
Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Muang, Nonthaburi, Thailand
Akanittha Poonchai
Affiliation:
Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Muang, Nonthaburi, Thailand
Nitichen Kittiratchakool
Affiliation:
Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Muang, Nonthaburi, Thailand
Danai Chinnacom
Affiliation:
Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Muang, Nonthaburi, Thailand
Netnapis Suchonwanich
Affiliation:
Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Muang, Nonthaburi, Thailand
Sripen Tantivess
Affiliation:
Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Muang, Nonthaburi, Thailand
*
Author for correspondence: Suradech Doungthipsirikul, E-mail: suradech.d@hitap.net
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Abstract

Objectives

To explore health technology assessment (HTA) in Thailand focusing on its institutionalization, key elements for HTA introduction, and HTA contribution to policy.

Methods

A review of literature covered a wide range of topics, including the institutionalization of HTA, elements of HTA introduction, and the role of HTA in policy decision making in Thai context. Additional information from the authors’ involvement in the policy decision-making process in Thailand was also considered.

Results

HTA institutionalization comprises processes of introducing HTA, including evidence generation and use in policymaking, building capacity of HTA practitioners, organizations, system infrastructure, and collaborations. In Thailand, HTA has been formally integrated into coverage decisions, including in the development of the National List of Essential Medicines and the Universal Health Coverage Scheme benefits package. Contributing factors included political will and leadership, capacity building on HTA-related disciplines, adequate resources, technical expertise, and data. Conversely, challenges faced included the absence of a governing body and strategic plan for HTA systems development, a lack of formal mechanisms for mobilizing financial support, an inadequate number of HTA researchers in nonprofit institutes, and the rise in advanced biotechnologies.

Conclusions

HTA plays an important role in evidence-based healthcare decision making. However, key elements of HTA institutionalization need to be strengthened, especially governance structure and policy for HTA systems development, building and retaining capacity of HTA practitioners to meet demand, addressing the challenges of complex and highly innovative health interventions. Lessons learned from the Thai experience may be used as guidance for HTA institutionalization in other developing countries.

Keywords

Health technology assessmentDecision makingInstitutionalizationThailand
Type
Theme Submission
Information
International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care , Volume 35 , Issue 6 , 2019 , pp. 467 - 473
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2019

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Footnotes

HITAP is funded by the Thailand Research Fund under the senior research scholar on Health Technology Assessment (RTA5980011) and the Bureau of Health Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Public Health. HITAP's international unit has been supported by the international Decision Support Initiative (funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Department for International Development (DFID), the United Kingdom government department responsible for administering overseas aid to promote sustainable development and eliminate world poverty) and the Rockefeller Foundation to provide technical assistance on health intervention and technology assessment for governments of low- and middle-income countries. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the aforementioned funding agencies. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

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