Eunethta Tools and Methods – Facilitating Uptake by Training Activities
Abtsract
Objectives: Provide training activities to facilitate uptake and ensure the
optimal use of the EUnetHTA tools and methods. In the last decade,
EUnetHTA (the European network for Health Technology Assessment), has
developed several tools and methods to facilitate joint production of
HTAs by Partners. In order to favour their implementation and practical
use, providing training is required. Additionally, EUnetHTA Stakeholders
expressed an interested in trainings about the same topics.
Methods: Partners and Stakeholders were surveyed to identify their training
needs, collect their training format preference and identify which tool
and methods to prioritize. A training program including both
face-to-face and online activities was set up. Training opportunities
were advertised using news items on the intranet and on the public site,
pamphlets, newsletters and direct e-mail. Tool and method developers
created the material and provided the activities. A feedback was
requested from participants after each training session; specific
questions were included in the annual general survey for Partners.
Results: Partners have been offered three face-to-face courses and several
webinars which reached 90 people from 27 agencies and 25 countries.
e-learning material (webcasts or recorded training sessions) were also
created. All participants were satisfied or very satisfied, 70 %
indicated having changed their practice following the training event.
Stakeholders have been offered three face-to-face courses, which reached
70 participants (mostly patient organisations and manufacturers). All
participants were satisfied of very satisfied
Conclusions: EUnetHTA has succeeded in establishing a training program. Because EUnetHTA is a transnational network, use of e-learning should be extended so that more Partners will be able to increase their knowledge on EUnetHTA tools and methods in order to efficiently produce joint HTA information. Stakeholders also benefited from the training program to get a better comprehension of both HTA and EUnetHTA tools and methods. However, cost of pursuing this activity will need to be further assessed.