What is the primary purpose of a health technology assessment (HTA)?

The primary purpose of a health technology assessment (HTA) is to evaluate medical technology for efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. HTA provides an evidence-based analysis that informs healthcare decision-making and policy development. It involves systematic evaluation of the properties and impacts of health technologies, which include medical devices, procedures, and pharmaceuticals, focusing on their clinical effectiveness, potential risks, and economic implications.

This evaluation helps health authorities and policymakers decide which technologies to adopt within a healthcare system, ensuring that limited resources are allocated optimally to maximize public health outcomes. HTA plays a crucial role in guiding funding decisions, reimbursement policies, and clinical practice guidelines, ultimately leading to better health services for the population.

In contrast, other options focus on aspects that are secondary to the main goal of HTA. For example, regulatory compliance of healthcare institutions is essential but does not encompass the broader evaluation of technology itself, while understanding market demand and patient satisfaction, although important, are not the central focus of HTA.