The courts--a challenge to health technology assessment
Hemminki, E.; Hailey, D.; Koivusalo, M.
Science 285(5425): 203-204
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-8075 PMID: 10428717 Document Number: 507634
Health technology assessment (HTA) brings together information from various sources to offer an evidence-based appraisal of technology. HTA results can help to optimize clinical practice and inform health policy and administration on issues such as coverage decisions and regulations. Litigation has previously been used to question clinical practice and health-related administrative decisions, particularly in the United States, but lawsuits brought by industry against researchers are a relatively new way to dispute findings and block dissemination of results. The writers examine illustrative court cases and pertinent international agreements and suggest approaches to preserve objective and instructive HTA.