Author/Authors :
Mobinizadeh, Mohammadreza Department of Health Services Management - Science and Research Branch - Islamic Azad University, Tehran , Raeissi, Pouran Department of Health Services Management - School of Management and Medical Information Science - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Nasiripour, Amir Ashkan Department of Health Services Management - Science and Research Branch - Islamic Azad University, Tehran , Olyaeemanesh, Alireza National Institute for Health Research -Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Tabibi, Jamaleddin Department of Health Services Management - Science and Research Branch - Islamic Azad University, Tehran
Abstract :
Background: In recent times, the use of health technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases experienced considerable and accelerated growth. The goal of the present study was to describe the designated
pilot MCDM (Multiple Criteria Decision Making) model for priority setting of health technology assessment in Iran.
Methods: Relevant articles were sought and retrieved from the most appropriate medical databases, including the
Cochrane Library, PubMed and Scopus via three separate search strategies, using MESH and free text until March, 2015.
Retrieved criteria were questioned from health technology assessment experts in two rounds and the relative weight
for valid criteria was finally obtained from paired wise comparison method. After extraction of relative weights based
on the aforementioned procedure, TOPSIS (The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution)
priority setting model was designed. The stated model was applied for assessing three technologies (adenosine, tissue
plasminogen activator and mechanical thrombectomy) which were available for projects call of Iranian health
technology assessment department in order to determine applicability of the model for practical purpose.
Results: Nine criteria, including efficiency/effectiveness, safety, population size, vulnerable population size, availability of
alternative technologies, cost effectiveness in other countries, budget impact, financial protection, quality of evidence, were
extracted by the Iranian health technology assessment experts. The relative weights of these criteria were as follows 0.12, 0.2,
0.06, 0.08, 0.08, 0.13, 0.08, 0.09, and 0.15, respectively. Finally TOPSIS pilot model was designed by three health technologies
and nine criteria relative weights. Results showed that, the applicability of the stated model was suitable and as the pilot
testing, tissue plasminogen activator was the first priority, adenosine was second and mechanical thrombectomy was third
for performing health technology assessment by the Iranian ministry of health and medical education.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, this model with nine effective criteria and their relative weights and in
combination with TOPSIS approach could be used with suitable applicability by health technology assessment department in
deputy of curative affairs and food and drug organization for determination of research priorities in health technology assessment.
