Based on the issues identified above, the participants envisioned an “ideal HTA world” in the year 2020. This ‘ideal HTA world” will have:

HTA Information

• There will be knowledge management systems with global access at one point
• Comparative effectiveness information on all existing technologies will be included as well as information on information sharing and contact.
• Sources of health care data will be open to all (perhaps with some fees).

HTA Scope & Technology Life Cycle

• The technology (i.e. drugs, medical devices, and diagnostics) regulatory approval process (e.g. FDA) is redesigned to provide and promote a continuum of HTA information.
• Conditional (i.e. ‘real world’ effectiveness is evaluated) and time-limited funding/reimbursement of a technology is employed to test generalizability and to address any uncertainty in the assessment.
• Patients will be helped to enter RCTs and “practical trials” (e.g. large clinical studies comparing current therapy vs. new technology in real world settings)
• Health care systems are managed to support and promote cost-effective evidence-based health care for best patient-oriented outcomes.

HTA Data

• All health care records are electronic
• Electronic health records and health information management systems are interoperable.
• A patient’s electronic record is automatically analyzed and a patient (and his/her clinician) receives automatic feed back on health status.

HTA Methods & Studies

• There is a systematic approach to assessment of a new technology
• Clinical/biomedical research has relevance to HTA (i.e. efficacy/effectiveness is determined versus current therapy as compared to versus a placebo)
• Research studies and real life data are transparent.
• Post approval evaluations are based on effectiveness pragmatic studies such as “practical trials” rather than RCTs and are designed to not impede access to a technology.

Prioritization:

• There is a systematic approach as to what to assess for new technology
• HTA knowledge gaps are filled,

Translating HTA Information for or by Health Policy-makers/Providers/Patients

• Health care policy makers, providers, and patients are informed & understand the value of HTA in regard to their needs.
• Reimbursement policies and systems support evidence based health care treatment & provide efficiency and appropriateness in health systems
• There is no direct to consumer advertising, just information
• How health technology is introduced to the public; how it is paid for; and how a technology continues to be reimbursed is redefined.
• Technology information to clinicians is practical & accurate.
• Government & NGO policy-makers, researchers, industry, clinicians, and HTA assessment organizations network on HTA in harmony.