CCHE Seminar Series: Trends in Health Technology Assessment in Canada

Trends in Health Technology Assessment in Canada 

Andrés López
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Friday November 12, 2021, 10am-12pm, Zoom

Abstract: Health Technology Assessment is a form of policy research that seeks to inform decision making, by systematically examining the effects of a particular technology on the individual and society with respect to efficacy, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, social, economic, and ethical implications.

While HTA has become a useful tool in this endeavour, decision-makers often express the need to have a more comprehensive picture of the evidence.  The landscape is changing and presently organizations are changing perspectives and now governments and agencies are starting to discuss more comprehensive approaches.  This talk will provide an overview of the role of HTA in decision making and current trends in Canada.  By using non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as an example, this talk will highlight the need for comprehensive approaches when incorporating new technologies into the health system.

Andrés López is a Senior Health Consultant in the Ontario Minister of Health where he provides analysis and knowledge translation in health economics to decision-makers.  He holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s in business administration from the Rotman School of Business (University of Toronto).  His interest lies in using health technology assessments as a tool for informing decisions on the appropriate use and implementation of health technology in current models of care.