Development of the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment.

OBJECTIVES To describe the development of the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment (INAHTA) and its activities. METHODS Review of literature material and other documents produced by or relating to INAHTA. RESULTS INAHTA includes organizations that provide health technology assessment (HTA) advice to governments and receive most of their funding from public sources. In early 2009, there were forty-six members from twenty-seven countries, including both national and regional agencies. Interaction with other organizations includes links to Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi), the European Union Network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA), PAHO (the Pan American Health Organization, and the World Health Organization (WHO). An important feature of INAHTA is the routine interaction of its members with public sector decision makers. Output from the network has included guidelines and frameworks on HTA, reports of surveys, and joint projects. CONCLUSIONS INAHTA has developed as a global point of contact and information for those with interests in HTA.