Development of sustainable models for technology evaluation in hospital

BACKGROUND: This paper reports the development of standard techniques for technology evaluation in hospital carried out at the Florence Teaching Hospital Careggi (AOUC), where, as a complex system, the technological evaluation is a strategic and essential element for the maintenance of high-quality clinical activity and maximization of available resources. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper has been the development of a system of economically sustainable models for the implementation of HTA and HS analyses in the hospital environment as well as presenting, in addition to a valid scientific resilience, the methodological and temporary flexibility to satisfy needs of hospital decision-makers. METHODS: The evaluation models call for 3 main phases: an initial analysis of the in-hospital request, a collection of data, and finally a draft of a specific, easily usable set of reports. RESULTS: Three standardized and tested models of evaluation were developed, which, in relation to the objective of the request and schedule of the assignment, provide for the production of a speedy report (1-week), an intermediate report (1-month), or a extensive report typical of classical studies of hospital based HTA (1-year). It is then related to the evaluation model of the IORT (Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy) technology. DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSION: The developed models have permitted the construction, using personnel and laboratories within the hospital, of an evaluation system reliable and responsive to the HOSPITAL's temporary needs based on the HS and HTA analyses in the hospital environment. Regarding the applicable case of IORT, this has shown how in-hospital requests have been satisfied in the preset time: although it establishes expected improvements on the social effect and weight of the illness and reveals a high territorial strategic relevance, the introduction of IORT in the hospital presents some criticalities on the impact on the healthcare organization and the necessity of specific training of medical technologist personnel.