This report outlines how health equity must be embedded throughout health technology assessment (HTA) to ensure value-based care truly benefits all populations. It is the first in a series of reports identifying four essential domains where change is needed, focusing on the domain Power, People, and Processes. This domain is foundational to rebalancing power throughout the HTA processes and emphasizes grounding HTA in lived experience through co-creation and leadership by patients, caregivers, and community members, particularly those from marginalized communities. The report identifies tailored action steps for key stakeholders who shape HTA.
These steps include:
- Partnering with patients and caregivers to lead and create HTA
- Recognizing patient and caregiver contributions
- Prioritizing marginalized community representation within HTA
- Creating and sustaining diversity within the HTA workforce
The report emphasizes actionable practice changes and accountability steps for stakeholders (researchers, payers, sponsors, and professional leaders) to foster more equitable HTA processes and reduce health disparities.
