Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: To examine HTA methodological requirements for SLRs and identify recent changes in the context of Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA) requirements.
METHODS: Two reviewers identified SLR methodology guidance documents from key HTA websites (JCA, NICE, CDA-AMC, HAS, SMC, PBAC, G-BA/IQWiG, TLV, NCPE). Reviewers extracted HTA requirements for SLR conduct and reporting (including search databases, number of reviewers, critical appraisal, PRISMA compliance) and by SLR type (clinical, economic, utility). HTA requirements were compared to previous work by the authors (Kamra, Value in Health, 28(S2) 2025) to identify changes in SLR methodological standards since 2025.
RESULTS: HTA bodies vary in specificity of SLR requirements. However, within HTA bodies, methodological SLR requirements have remained relatively stable in recent years. Examples of consistency are in databases to search and those study designs deemed eligible. Changes in SLR guidance implemented since 2025 include: 1) G-BA requirements to remove databases determined as no longer useful (e.g. AMIS), 2) CDA requirements clarifying resubmissions of SLRs, 3) NICE requirements on the evaluation of health technology products and interventional procedures, and 4) JCA guidance regarding SLRs for the identification of prognostic factors and effect modifiers.
CONCLUSIONS: In the last year updates to SLR guidelines by HTA bodies have been limited, particularly in economic SLRs where methodological expectations remain largely unchanged. Though minor updates, these require continued vigilance in identifying and clarifying changes in preparing for HTA submissions. Persistent heterogeneity across HTA requirements continues to challenge the development of a single SLR that satisfies all jurisdictions. The impact of JCA in how additional changes will come to other HTA agencies, and if requirements will align or not, remains to be seen.