The Development of Health Technology Assessment in Taiwan: Perspectives and Analysis

Efforts to advance health technology assessment (HTA) in Taiwan have aimed to optimize the allocation of National Health Insurance (NHI) resources. This study documents and analyzes the historical timeline of Taiwan’s efforts in HTA, identifying areas to advance the HTA system, such as gaining broad...

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Main Authors: Raoh-Fang Pwu, Yen-Shu Cheng, Wen-Wen Yang, Grace Hui-Min Wu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2023-12-01
Series:Health Systems & Reform
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23288604.2024.2330396
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author Raoh-Fang Pwu
Yen-Shu Cheng
Wen-Wen Yang
Grace Hui-Min Wu
author_facet Raoh-Fang Pwu
Yen-Shu Cheng
Wen-Wen Yang
Grace Hui-Min Wu
author_sort Raoh-Fang Pwu
collection DOAJ
description Efforts to advance health technology assessment (HTA) in Taiwan have aimed to optimize the allocation of National Health Insurance (NHI) resources. This study documents and analyzes the historical timeline of Taiwan’s efforts in HTA, identifying areas to advance the HTA system, such as gaining broad stakeholder acceptance. We document ambitious plans to establish a larger, independent HTA center and how these plans did not materialize. The historical timeline also describes the primary focus of HTA shifting to serve the needs of decision-making authorities and committees. We argue that these changes resulted in growth of the HTA system, but also led to significant external criticism and potential compromise of its foundational principles. The inability to create a national HTA center can be attributed to several factors, including an immature ecosystem of HTA-Policy-Patient-Provider-Academic collaboration, a lack of a supportive culture, and challenging political and economic conditions. Nevertheless, if effectively managed, Taiwan’s current HTA system could play a crucial role in rational decision-making, informed choices, and efficient NHI resource management. We argue that greater autonomy is crucial for enhancing financial sustainability and protecting against external influences to ensure objective and credible assessments. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of fostering a conducive learning environment to improve methodological expertise.
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spelling doaj-art-49975b4a711643b49fa21e82b10c0a6b2024-12-05T14:45:45ZengTaylor & Francis GroupHealth Systems & Reform2328-86042328-86202023-12-019310.1080/23288604.2024.2330396The Development of Health Technology Assessment in Taiwan: Perspectives and AnalysisRaoh-Fang Pwu0Yen-Shu Cheng1Wen-Wen Yang2Grace Hui-Min Wu3Data Science Center, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, TaiwanData Science Center, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, TaiwanData Science Center, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, TaiwanHealth Outcomes and Technology Teaching and Education Alliance, Taipei City, TaiwanEfforts to advance health technology assessment (HTA) in Taiwan have aimed to optimize the allocation of National Health Insurance (NHI) resources. This study documents and analyzes the historical timeline of Taiwan’s efforts in HTA, identifying areas to advance the HTA system, such as gaining broad stakeholder acceptance. We document ambitious plans to establish a larger, independent HTA center and how these plans did not materialize. The historical timeline also describes the primary focus of HTA shifting to serve the needs of decision-making authorities and committees. We argue that these changes resulted in growth of the HTA system, but also led to significant external criticism and potential compromise of its foundational principles. The inability to create a national HTA center can be attributed to several factors, including an immature ecosystem of HTA-Policy-Patient-Provider-Academic collaboration, a lack of a supportive culture, and challenging political and economic conditions. Nevertheless, if effectively managed, Taiwan’s current HTA system could play a crucial role in rational decision-making, informed choices, and efficient NHI resource management. We argue that greater autonomy is crucial for enhancing financial sustainability and protecting against external influences to ensure objective and credible assessments. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of fostering a conducive learning environment to improve methodological expertise.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23288604.2024.2330396Health technology assessmentinstitutionalizationpolitical considerationssustainabilityvalue
spellingShingle Raoh-Fang Pwu
Yen-Shu Cheng
Wen-Wen Yang
Grace Hui-Min Wu
The Development of Health Technology Assessment in Taiwan: Perspectives and Analysis
Health Systems & Reform
Health technology assessment
institutionalization
political considerations
sustainability
value
title The Development of Health Technology Assessment in Taiwan: Perspectives and Analysis
title_full The Development of Health Technology Assessment in Taiwan: Perspectives and Analysis
title_fullStr The Development of Health Technology Assessment in Taiwan: Perspectives and Analysis
title_full_unstemmed The Development of Health Technology Assessment in Taiwan: Perspectives and Analysis
title_short The Development of Health Technology Assessment in Taiwan: Perspectives and Analysis
title_sort development of health technology assessment in taiwan perspectives and analysis
topic Health technology assessment
institutionalization
political considerations
sustainability
value
url https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23288604.2024.2330396
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