OBJECTIVES: Health Technology Assessment (HTA) has become an essential tool in healthcare decision-making, aimed at improving patient outcomes while ensuring the efficient allocation of resources. HTA systems vary across countries, with different methods for evaluating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of health technologies. This review aims to compare the impact of different HTA systems on healthcare expenditure and patient outcomes.

METHODS: A systematic review of studies comparing HTA systems across countries was conducted. Studies reporting on the impact of HTA on healthcare expenditure and patient outcomes were included. Data were extracted and synthesized using a narrative approach.

RESULTS: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies compared HTA systems in Europe, North America, and Australia. Most studies found that HTA systems influenced healthcare expenditure, but the direction and magnitude of the effect varied. In some cases, HTA systems led to lower expenditure due to the use of cost-effectiveness thresholds, while in other cases, higher expenditure was observed due to increased access to new technologies. Patient outcomes were also found to be influenced by HTA systems, with some studies showing that systems incorporating patient preferences led to better outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: HTA systems play a crucial role in healthcare decision-making, with a significant impact on healthcare expenditure and patient outcomes. The optimal approach to HTA depends on the specific context and needs of each healthcare system. The use of cost-effectiveness thresholds and the incorporation of patient preferences are two key areas that require further research to determine the optimal approach. Overall, this review highlights the need for ongoing evaluation and refinement of HTA systems to ensure their effectiveness in improving patient outcomes and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources.