Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on HTAsiaLink network members

Ryan Jonathan Sitanggang, Kinanti Khansa Chavarina, Sarin K.C, Raina Wadhwa, Budi Wiweko, Fredrick Dermawan Purba, Izzuna Mudla Mohamed Ghazali, Jonathan Henry Webster Jacobsen, Piyameth Dilokthornsakul, Mayfong Mayxay, Wanrudee Isaranuwatchai, Yaoling Wang, Ying Li Chen, Benjamin Shao Kiat Ong, Sitanshu Kar, Andrey Avdeyev, Yot Teerawattananon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives This study investigates the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on HTAsiaLink members at the organizational level and provides recommendations for mitigating similar challenges in the future. Methods A survey was disseminated among HTAsiaLink members to assess the COVID-19 impact in three areas: (i) inputs, (ii) process, and (iii) outputs of the Health Technology Assessment organizations' (HTAOs) research operations and HTA process in general. Results Survey results showed that most HTAOs hired more staff and secured similar or higher funding levels during COVID-19. Nevertheless, some organizations reported high staff turnover. COVID-19-relevant research was prioritized, and most of the organizations had to adapt their research design to meet the needs of policymakers. Time constraints in conducting research and inability to collect primary data were reported as impacts on the research process. Overall, the number of research projects and accessibility of respondents' publications increased during COVID-19. Conclusions Research demand for HTAOs increased during COVID-19 and impacted their research process; however, they demonstrated resilience and adaptability to provide timely evidence for policymakers. With the growing reliance on HTA, HTAOs require adequate financial support, continuous capacity building, collaboration, and partnership, innovative HTA methods, and a pragmatic yet robust, evidence-To-policy process in preparation for future pandemics.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere63
JournalInternational Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care
Volume40
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Nov 2024

Keywords

  • Asia-pacific
  • COVID-19
  • Health technology assessment organizations
  • Impact
  • Pandemic

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