Expanding the scientific basis of health technology assessment: A research agenda for the next decade

Objectives: The complexity of health technology assessment (HTA) has increased, in part because of its evolution through three distinct phases: the machine, the clinical outcomes, and the delivery models. However, the theoretical foundation for the field remains underdeveloped. Methods: It is high time for HTA to bring together aspects of conceptual and theoretical works from other fields to strengthen the foundation of HTA. Results: Many challenges await the further development of HTA. They can be captured around three research themes: adapting HTA to an evolving analysis object; translating HTA results into policy, management, and practice decisions; and evaluating organizational models of HTA. Conclusions: Consolidating the scientific basis of HTA is essential if we are to succeed in increasing the relevance of HTA in some of the most challenging health-related decisions that we will make as individuals and societies.