The European way to health technology assessment - Lessons from an evaluation of EUR-ASSESS

Objectives: The EUR-ASSESS project was undertaken by a large number of memb ers of European health technology assessment (HTA) agencies and programs wi th the aim of improving coordination through developments in several areas of HTA. At the conclusion of the project, an independent survey was underta ken to reassess the importance of the original objectives of EUR-ASSESS and determine the impact of the project on the way HTA activities are organize d and carried out in Europe. Methods: A postal questionnaire survey and a series of more in-depth person al interviews. Results: EUR-ASSESS was generally considered successful in achieving its ai ms, particularly in creating an informal network of people and organization s, improving the understanding of the work of others, improving the ability to focus the objectives of HTA, facilitating the sharing of experience and mutual learning opportunities, exchanging ideas on research agendas, and d eveloping a common language. However, significant differences emerged in th e expectations of different actors in European HTA, and in their perception s of the impact of the project. These reflect the wide diversity of approac hes existing in Europe. Conclusions: Health technology assessment in Europe is changing its nature from a set of national or local initiatives with relatively limited impact to a truly European movement with strong links and coordination between its individual components. important lessons can be learned from the experienc e of EUR-ASSESS, particularly in the light of an increasing commitment of t he European Commission to play a role in the development of technology asse ssment.