Clinical Effectiveness Unit

Purpose The Hospital Authority Healthcare Technology Assessment Report (HAHTA Report) is prepared by the Clinical Effectiveness Unit (CEU) to provide current, accurate and usable information on technical efficiency, safety and efficacy of new / evolving health technologies that have potential applications in Hong Kong. Comparison will be made, whenever possible, with the current standard practice. The report gives healthcare professionals and administrators a starting point to consider currently available research evidence on new / evolving technologies. • Scientific staff shall consult clinicians and formulate answerable question(s) to address the specific clinical problem raised. • Scientific staff of CEU and medical librarians shall search relevant evidence from electronic databases and supplement with hand search if necessary. • Evidence will be selected for appraisal by an assessment of its scientific validity • Evidence will be appraised by an evidence-based approach. shall revise and approve the HAHTA Report for release. They shall seek expert advice if indicated. 3. HAHTA Reports are released through the "Technology Management Web-page" accessible from the HA Library Information System. 4. HAHTA Reports are reviewed annually and revised, if warranted. Ia Evidence from meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Ib Evidence from at least one randomized controlled trial IIa Evidence from at least one controlled study without randomization IIb Evidence from at least one other types of quasi-experimental study III Evidence from non-experimental descriptive studies, such as comparative studies, correlation studies, and case-control studies IV Evidence from expert committee reports or opinions or clinical experiences of respected authorities, or both Disclaimer The HAHTA Report is the outcome of systematic search and appraisal of best evidence available in the medical literature. It serves to assist healthcare professionals in evaluating new / evolving health technologies by providing current safety and efficacy information derived from an Cochlear Implants 3 evidence-based process. However, it is not intended to recommend any particular technology for use and should not replace judgement of healthcare providers and clinicians in the appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of new technologies and their decisions to prioritize introduction and use of such technologies. Whilst we have taken due care to prepare the