Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary approach to analyzing the medical, clinical, social, organizational, economic, legal and ethical implications underlying the introduction of a technology, assessing multiple dimensions such as efficacy, safety, costs, and social and organizational impact.

The term “technology” should be intended in a broad sense, and includes biomedical equipment, medical devices, medications, diagnostic tests, and clinical programs (e.g., prevention programs and health promotion). The upgrade of existing technology is potentially associated with an increase in costs and therefore should be evaluated on a par with the introduction of new technology solutions.

The goal of HTA is to assess the real and/or potential effects of technology before and during the entire life cycle, as well as the consequences of introducing or excluding a technology for the patient, the health care system, the economy, and society.