Public Health Decision-Maker Perspective on Joint Clinical Assessments in Central European EU Member States

The HTA R introduces provisions that may benefit member states, in particular the opportunity to share national or regional assessment reports, cooperate outside of clinical domains, or use the methodological guidelines on a local level for technologies that are not subject to joint assessment. Challenges related to the timelines, differences between assessment scopes, and diverging guidance may jeopardize the full potential of the HTA R in Central European EU member states. However, these are more likely to be related to the commitment and vigilance of local competent authorities. We attempt to address these opportunities and mark some challenges imposed by the application of the HTA R by taking the perspective of public health decision-makers in Central European EU member states. We conclude that the foundations for capitalizing on the opportunities offered by the HTA R are already laid in the region, and we foresee policymakers and payers sharing the responsibility of acting as drivers of change in health policy to reduce the duplication (or multiplication) of efforts by HTDs, as well as to increase the efficient use of HTA bodies' resources.