International journal of technology assessment in health care
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Int J Technol Assess Health Care · Jul 2009
Economic evaluation of continuous renal replacement therapy in acute renal failure.
Controversy exists regarding the optimal method of providing dialysis in critically ill patients with acute renal failure. We sought to determine the cost-effectiveness of treatment strategies. ⋯ Given the higher costs of providing CRRT and absence of demonstrated benefit, IHD is the preferred modality in critically ill patients who are candidates for either IHD or CRRT, although this conclusion should be revisited if future clinical trials establish differences in clinical effectiveness between modalities. Future interventions that are proven to improve renal recovery after acute renal failure are likely to be cost-effective, even if very resource intensive.
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Int J Technol Assess Health Care · Jul 2009
Comparative StudySurrogate outcomes in health technology assessment: an international comparison.
Our aim was to review the recommendations given by health technology assessment (HTA) institutions in their methodological guidelines concerning the use of surrogate outcomes in their assessments. In a second step, we aimed at quantifying the role surrogate parameters take in assessment reports. ⋯ HTA institutions seem to agree on a cautious approach to the use of surrogate outcomes in technology assessment. Thorough assessment of health technologies should not rely exclusively on surrogate outcomes.
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Int J Technol Assess Health Care · Jul 2009
Historical ArticleHealth technology assessment in Italy.
The aim of this study was to review the history of health technology assessment (HTA) in Italy. ⋯ At the local level, the hospital-based HTA activity is probably the most important peculiarity of the country and the real driver of the HTA movement.
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Int J Technol Assess Health Care · Jul 2009
Historical ArticleHealth technology management in Israel: HTA in action.
The aim of this study was to describe the history and present situation with health technology assessment (HTA) in Israel. ⋯ ICTAHC's role and functioning has expanded since its beginnings. HTA has become an important part of health care in Israel.
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Int J Technol Assess Health Care · Apr 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyThe Alberta Hip and Knee Replacement Project: a model for health technology assessment based on comparative effectiveness of clinical pathways.
The Alberta Hip and Knee Replacement Project developed a new evidence-based clinical pathway (NCP) for total hip (THR) and knee (TKR) replacement. The aim was to facilitate the delivery of services in a timely and cost-effective manner while achieving the highest quality of care for the patient across the full continuum of care from patient referral to an orthopedic surgeon through surgery, recovery, and rehabilitation. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the study design, rationale, and execution of this project as a model for health technology assessment based on comparative effectiveness of alternative clinical pathways. ⋯ The Alberta Hip and Knee Replacement Project demonstrates the feasibility and advantages of applying a pragmatic randomized controlled trial to ascertain comparative effectiveness. This is a model for health technology assessment that incorporates how clinical pathways can be effectively evaluated.