Toward transparency in health technology assessment: a checklist for HTA reports.

OBJECTIVES: As an initiative of the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment (INAHTA), a checklist for assessment reports was developed as a means of improving transparency and consistency in HTA.

METHODS: Preparation of a summary of key elements in HTA reports, drawing on experience in preparation of such documents, information from guidelines for HTA, and individual assessments. Review by INAHTA agencies and modification of the summary to reflect the consensus.

RESULTS: The resulting checklist includes 17 questions, with supporting detail. General areas covered include preliminary information, why and how the assessment has been prepared, the results of the assessment, implications of the results, and conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS: The checklist is intended to be considered by those preparing or using an HTA report. It reflects the views of INAHTA members and is seen as a mechanism to improve the standard of HTA reports, being complementary to the more detailed guidelines on how to conduct assessments.