Information > NIHR Programmes > Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme

The HTA programme aims to ensure that high quality research information on the costs, effectiveness and broader health technologies is produced in the most efficient way for those who use, manage, provide care in or develop policy for the NHS. HTA forms the largest portfolio of work in the NHS R&D Programme and each year about 50 studies are commissioned to help answer questions of direct importance to the NHS.  Studies include both primary research and evidence synthesis. The HTA Programme funds £20 to £40 million of research each year and includes commissioned research, response mode clinical trials and themed calls.
 
 

HTA Commissioned Research Programme
Topics for research are identified and prioritised to meet the needs of the NHS.

 
Who it’s for

Research institutions anywhere in the world can submit a proposal.

 
Process

When the HTA programme agrees a research priority, an invitation to submit proposals to carry out the research is issued.

  • Applicants are guided by commissioning briefs, which provide supporting information such as fully defined research questions and requirements, specifying technology, patient group, setting, control or comparators, design, primary outcomes, and follow-up.
  • It is essential to directly address the brief; you can go beyond the brief, but only if it is essential.
  • Applications must be made in both electronic and standard paper format and must be received by the deadline stated.
  • Primary research – involves the collection and generation of new data, and proposals are considered in two stages; outline proposals and full proposals. All outline proposals are assessed by three Designated Commissioning Board Members (DCMs). Typically two to four outline applications are then invited to submit a full proposal to the next HTA Commissioning Board (HTACB) meeting. Invited full proposals are peer-reviewed by at least three external referees before being discussed at the HTACB meeting.
  • Evidence synthesis – is research based on existing data. There is not usually an outline stage for evidence synthesis proposals. Three DCMs assess full proposals and select a shortlist that are taken forward for external peer-review by at least three external peer-reviewers before being discussed at the HTACB meeting.

The HTACB makes recommendations and the final funding decision is made by the HTA Prioritisation Strategy Group.

 
Criteria

The HTACB meet twice a year to assess the scientific merits of the proposals received. Proposal assessment criteria are:

  • Would successful completion of the project lead to a reduction in uncertainty?
  • Would this result in measurable health gains and/or benefits for the NHS?
  • Is the team capable of undertaking the project?
  • Are the requested costs and time scales justified?
  • Are the objectives of the research clearly stated?
  • Is the study designed to achieve its objectives in an appropriate, feasible and ethical manner?
  Further information about the HTA Commissioned Research.

HTA Response Mode Clinical Trials
Primary research proposals only are accepted (which generate new data) to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of health technologies in, or likely to be in, NHS practice. Systematic review and other evidence syntheses are not eligible for funding in this programme. The most suitable study design is often an RCT, but other study designs may be appropriate.

 
Who it’s for

Research institutions anywhere in the world can submit a proposal.

 
Process

Applicants are to submit outline proposals on an ongoing basis. All outline proposals which fulfil the remit will undergo a two stage competitive assessment. Firstly, proposals will be assessed by one of four expert advisory panels (disease prevention, therapeutic procedures, pharmaceuticals, diagnostic technologies and screening). Those proposals to be considered to be of most concern to the NHS and its patients will then go to the HTA Clinical Trials Board.

 
Criteria

The expert advisory panels use the following criteria in the first assessment stage:

  • The importance of the health problems to patients and the NHS
  • The relevance of study outcomes to patients and the NHS, and the relevance of participants to the case mix treated in the NHS
  • Justification of proposed research with reference to the current evidence base
  • The proposed study assesses the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a health technology
 

Those proposals that go to the HTA Clinical Trials Board will be assessed using the following criteria:

  • Scientific quality of the proposal
  • Demonstration of the necessary skill mix, experience, project management and infrastructure for success
  • Explanation and justification for estimated recruitment rates
  • Ethical, legal and social implications of the research proposed have been considered
  • Reasonable costs
 

It is expected that applicants will work with relevant research networks.
Further information about HTA Clinical Trials.

 
HTA Themed Calls
The HTA occasionally undertake a specific call for proposals in a ‘themed area’. Information regarding each ‘themed call’ is provided when it opens, and at present there is no timetable available.
 

More information can be found on the HTA website.

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