Assessment of health technologies

Health technology assessment (HTA) is a multidisciplinary process that evaluates the medical, social, ethical, and economic implications of using a health technology, such as a medical device. In the course, students will learn to analyze and interpret data and metadata of medical devices from the perspective of:

- Clinical effectiveness: How well does the product work in practice? What are its benefits and risks? Are there any alternative technologies that could achieve similar results?

- Safety: What are the potential adverse events associated with the use of the medical device? What measures are in place to mitigate these risks?

- Economic considerations: What is the cost-effectiveness of using the medical device? How does its price compare to alternative technologies?

- Ethical and social aspects: What are the ethical and social consequences of using a medical device? What are the implications for patient privacy, data security and confidentiality?

- Regulatory aspects: What are the regulatory requirements for the medical device? Is it approved for use by the relevant regulatory authorities?

These individual aspects can optimize the selection of suitable technologies and materials, structural and ergonomic solutions even before the actual production of the medical device. HTA is a process that is an integral part of the design of a medical device.

As part of the course, students work on an individual semester project.