Medical education needs to teach health technology assessment

Abstract

Health technology assessment evaluates the effects of drugs, devices, procedures and policies on patients and the healthcare system. Because of its potential to optimize healthcare resources and patient care, health technology assessment is becoming increasingly important in healthcare systems at national and local levels. This article provides an explanation of health technology assessment and an example of its application in residency education.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael Allen

MICHAEL ALLEN, MD, is Director of Evidence-based Programs, Office of Continuing Medical Education, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Savtaj Singh Brar

SAVTAJ SINGH BRAR, MD, is a fifth-year resident in General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Lisa Farrell

LISA FARRELL, BSC Pharm, is Nova Scotia Liaison Officer for the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.