INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION IN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY-ASSESSMENT - A STUDYOF TECHNOLOGIES USED IN MANAGEMENT OF OSTEOPOROSIS

A collaborative study was undertaken by members of the International N etwork of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment (INAHTA). The evid ence of the effectiveness of bone density measurement and selected tre atments in preventing fractures in later life was reviewed. There was fair evidence that bone density measurement can predict risk of fractu res and that hormone replacement therapy and intranasal salmon calcito nin preserve bone mass and decrease the risk of fractures. However, it was estimated that only 1-7% of hip fractures would be prevented if t hese technologies were used in a screening program for menopausal wome n. Results of the assessment were endorsed by 13 INAHTA members, disse minated widely and provided input to policy and further work in this a rea. The project demonstrated the feasibility of international collabo rative health technology assessment. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.