How does the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme work? What phases does an HTA topic go through prior to a reimbursement decision being made? You can find detailed information on this here.
Overview of the development and use of HTA reports
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Topic Identification
- Any party can propose a health topic for evaluation in terms of the associated healthcare services currently provided at any time using the topic submission form.
- A topic will tend to be a good candidate for such evaluation if:
- the costs of the associated healthcare services are currently covered by compulsory health insurance and
- opinion is divided or lacking on their
- effectiveness/safety
- appropriateness
- economic efficiency.
- Further information on the above criteria of effectiveness/safety, appropriateness and economic efficiency (‘EAE’) is provided in the foundational document entitled ‘Operationalisation of the criteria effectiveness, appropriateness and economic efficiency’ (PDF, 632 kB, 22.08.2022).
- The FOPH will assess all the topic proposals submitted and prepare these for consideration by the relevant commissions.
- The Federal Commission for General Services and Principles (ELGK/CFPP), the Federal Commission for Analyses, Aids and Equipment (EAMGK/CFAMA) and the Federal Pharmaceutical Commission (EAK/CFM) will consider those topics within their remit, and will recommend that an HTA be conducted on any such topics for which such action is warranted in their professional view.
Pre-scoping
- Pre-scoping involves a preliminary analysis and definition of the question to be investigated.
- Pre-scoping provides the basis for the tender process and the commissioning of an external partner.
HTA protocol
- In the HTA protocol, the external partner defines the research question in detail and defines the methodology for the subsequent HTA report. The protocol is submitted to a review group, consisting of four or five independent experts, who evaluate the scientific quality of the report.
- The protocol is then submitted to stakeholders, such as health insurance associations, patient organisations, healthcare professional associations, professional societies, industry associations or other interested parties. Stakeholders are notified of the protocol 20 working days in advance and are given 20 working days to comment on the protocol.
- The finalised protocol is published, together with stakeholders’ comments, on the HTA projects page.
HTA report (assessment)
- In the HTA report, the external partner answers the research question by analysing the scientific evidence concerning efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness, as well as legal, social, ethical and organisational aspects.
- The HTA report is submitted to a review group, consisting of four or five independent experts, who evaluate the scientific quality of the report.
- The HTA report is then submitted to stakeholders. Stakeholders are notified of the report 20 working days in advance and are given 20 working days to comment on the report.
- The finalised HTA report is published on the HTA projects page.
Appraisal
- The Federal Commissions appraise the HTA report and submit a recommendation to the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) or, in the case of medicines, to the FOPH.
Decision
- The FDHA or the FOPH decides whether mandatory reimbursement is terminated, restricted or continued. The decision is published.
Last modification 10.01.2025
Contact
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Health insurance benefits Division
Health Technology Assessment Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
3003
Bern
Switzerland
Tel.
+41 58 469 17 33