The systematic evaluation of the clinical effectiveness and/or cost effectiveness and/or the social and ethical impact of a health technology on the lives of patients and the health care system. Its main purpose is to inform health care policy makers. The process advises whether a health technology should be used, and if so, how it is best used and which patients will benefit most from it. Assessments vary, but most look at the health benefits and risks of using the technology. They also look at costs and any wider impacts that the technology might have on a population or on society. HTAI
In Australia, PBAC, MSAC, PLAC and hospitals do health technology assessments.