Contents
About the International HTA Database
Overview
The International HTA Database provides free access to bibliographic information about ongoing and published health technology assessments (HTAs) commissioned or undertaken by HTA organisations from around the world. This includes INAHTA members and non-INAHTA member agencies. The database provides a single point of access to information that would otherwise be more difficult and time-consuming to search for on individual agency websites.
INAHTA has taken on the responsibility for the production of the HTA database. This was previously done by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD), at the University of York, in England. The database, then called the HTA Database, was started by the CRD in 1996 and, in fact, it used the INAHTA Briefs as a seed database for the new database.
The former database was produced by the CRD until March 2018, at which time the addition of records ended at the CRD. INAHTA then assumed responsibility for the database and built a new database platform. In July 2019, the database records were exported from the CRD platform and imported into the new INAHTA platform and the database, renamed the International HTA Database, was launched in June 2020.
Description of Records
The International HTA database is a valuable source for identifying grey literature as much of the information it contains is only available directly from individual HTA agencies. Database content is supplied by the members of INAHTA and by other HTA organizations worldwide. Currently, over 120 HTA agencies have records listed on the database. The Database includes completed and ongoing health technology assessments from around the world. Bibliographic details and contact information are provided, and English language abstracts are included for most reports, along with the URL to the project page or final report.
The International HTA Database is unique in that it contains records of ongoing HTA projects, which are updated in the database when projects are completed. This may enable funders and researchers to identify work already in progress and may help reduce unintended duplication of effort. (Please note: not all agencies contribute their records to the database, and some contribute records for their completed assessments, but not ongoing projects.)
The structure of the new International HTA database generally follows that of the former database but with important improvements:
- Expanded records that include more abstract information, i.e., authors' objectives, conclusions and results, recommendations, methods and identified further research/reviews required. These fields improve the utility and searchability of the records.
- Streamlined and strengthened search function for visitors, contributors, and administrators.
- Filters for refining search results.
Inclusion criteria
Many different types of research are included in the International HTA Database, e.g., ongoing and completed health technology assessments based on systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and economic evaluations. The Database does not use quality inclusion criteria and the included reports are not critically appraised. However, all records in the database are publications and projects from INAHTA members and other HTA organizations worldwide.
Disclaimer
The International HTA Database is a bibliographic database made freely available worldwide through the support of INAHTA. It includes links to HTA reports and projects, but it is not a repository of full-text documents.
The records in the Database are provided for information purposes only. INAHTA and related organizations hosting the HTA database have no liability for the content provided. Although providing up-to-date and precise information is our main objective, we are not able to guarantee that each database entry is complete, reliable, or accessible. The information available through the website should not be substituted for the clinical judgement, other professional judgment in any decision-making process, or for professional medical advice.
References and information links are included in most entries within this database by the contributing organizations. We cannot guarantee that this information is relevant, that links are up-to-date or accurate and have no liability in this regard.
Moreover, INAHTA and related organizations hosting the HTA database are not responsible for any losses that may be suffered, or for any damage that may affect your computers or other equipment as a consequence of accessing or using this website.
Acknowledgements
INAHTA would like to extend their gratitude to all the HTA colleagues who contribute and keep the information in the Database up-to-date.
Contact Details for the international HTA database
The administration of the International HTA database is undertaken by the secretariat of INAHTA, which is located at the Institute of Health Economics. Contact details are as follows:
INAHTA Secretariat
c/o Institute of Health Economics
4-122 Enterprise Square
10230 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T5J 4P6
Tel: +01 780 401 1770
Email: INAHTA@ihe.ca
About INAHTA
The International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment (INAHTA) is a network of over 50 HTA agencies that support health system decision making. With more than 2,100 staff and consultants working in the INAHTA network, there are clear benefits to connecting these agencies together to cooperate and share information about producing and disseminating HTA reports for evidence-based decision making.
For more information about INAHTA visit: http://www.inahta.org
Or contact the INAHTA secretariat at INAHTA@ihe.ca