From Data to Decisions: The role of Health Technology Assessment in Innovative Healthcare

Nisha Almeida, PhD

Manager |
The Health Technology Assessment Unit (TAU) | MUHC
Adjunct Professor | Division of Clinical Epidemiology | McGill

WHERE: Hybrid | 2001 McGill College, Rm 1140 | Zoom

Note: Dr. Almeida will be presenting in-person from 2001 McGill College, Rm 1140

Abstract

Health technology assessment (HTA) is a multidisciplinary process that evaluates the clinical, economic, social and ethical implications of adopting a novel health intervention (medical devices, procedures, medications, programmes or policies). HTA typically considers the effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness, and acceptability of health interventions to inform health policy and decision-making, based on the best-available scientific evidence.

This talk will describe the role of the MUHC’s Health Technology Assessment Unit (TAU), an advisory group that formulates recommendations directed at the MUHC administration and healthcare professionals, in facilitating decision-making about the integration of novel health interventions at the hospital. The talk will focus on the principal factors that inform healthcare decision-making at the hospital level, with a particular emphasis on the role of costing and financial data in decision-making.

Learning Objectives

At the completion of this talk, attendees will be able to:

• Define health technology assessment (HTA);
• Describe a hospital-based HTA unit’s role in healthcare decision-making;
• Describe the role of cost data in decision-making at the hospital level.

Speaker Bio

Nisha Almeida leads The Health Technology Assessment Unit (TAU) of the MUHC, an advisory group that assists the hospital administration and clinical teams in making evidence-based decisions on the adoption of novel health interventions. Her team of scientists conducts evaluations of new health interventions and of existing practice to support optimal resource allocation towards high value care. Nisha has a PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from McGill University. She is also an adjunct professor in the Division of Clinical Epidemiology at McGill University.