Mapping the integration of social and ethical issues in health technology assessment

• DOI: 10.1017/s0266462307051513
• Publication Date: 2007-01-18T20:10:32Z
• Authors: Pascale Lehoux; Bryn Williams-Jones
• Keywords: Health Technology

Background: Since its inception, the field of health technology assessment (HTA) has stressed need for consideration ethical and social issues. However, few concepts or analytic tools have been developed, because complexity endeavor a lack integration work already produced, such remain difficult to apply in HTA. Objectives: Through descriptive “map” concepts, tools, processes, we summarize most tangible efforts on part HTA producers address Methods: A literature review content analysis reports Centre Reviews Dissemination database enables synthesis reflections on, initiatives around, gaps knowledge related issues Results: We examine: (i) aim integrating HTA, (ii) theoretical approaches used, (iii) methods processes applied, (iv) implications producers. highlight two levels at which can be considered: throughout production process as organizational structure agencies. Conclusions: Given profound societal changes that occur relation healthcare development, responsibility inform enlighten technology-related public policy debates. Fulfilling this role, though, requires socioethical dimensions are made explicit.