Commentary on "The influence of hospital-based HTA on technology acquisition decision"

The article by Dupouy and Gagnon presents a case study on the structure and operation of an HB-HTA unit with reference to an assessment of a diagnostic technology. It gives interesting details on the organization of an HB-HTA program, and of the approaches that were taken in the assessment. It also notes the demands on a small unit and some limits to its activities. Semi-structured interviews were held with informants from three groups in the hospital. Excerpts from the interviews provide further insight. Projects of the HTA Unit are assisted by a stakeholders working group; information is included on its formation and interaction with the HTA process.