"Health technology assessment is a key factor to guarantee the equity of health services provision and to serve as base for improving decision making at different levels."

History and structure
The Andalusian Agency for Health Technology Assessment was established by the Government of Andalusia in 1996, as part of a new program to promote the use of cost-effectiveness analysis and evidence-based medicine in the regional health service. AETSA is supported by the Regional Ministry of Health and has an External Scientific Advisory Committee composed of 15 members whose aim is to assess the Agency performance and suggest guidance and working lines in future activities.

Mission
Our work in Health Technology Assessment is directed to help decision-makers and to facilitate information to health professionals on the more efficient use of clinical resources. Also, we are developing a strategic plan to enhance the quality of care in Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centers, by incorporating scientific evidence into clinical practice.

How AETSA works
AETSA prioritizes assessments projects from a list of projects selected by health authorities, the Scientific Advisory Committee, and qualified professionals. We encourage the widespread participation of medical professionals in our assessment projects as part of our strategy to enhance quality of care and efficiency.

We conduct systematic reviews of international scientific literature. We also run courses for researchers and clinical leaders, and assist in finding scientific information and logistical operation. After adjusting for epidemiological factors we disseminate our findings within the health service.

Dissemination activities
AETSA publishes a newsletter entitled "Noticias de Evaluación de Tecnologías Sanitarias" (NETS), distributed to policy makers, health care professionals, consumers, libraries and medical journals, and other INAHTA members. We disseminate our reports and scientific information, selected after a critical systematic review to get the maximum attention for clinical decision-makers. We organize meetings and conferences for health professionals, about methodology of health care assessment and quality of care. More information can be found at our website.

Current project (a selection)

• Appropriate use of pacemakers-systematic review, expert panel
• Guidelines form the introduction of health technology in hospitals and health centers in Andalusia - non-systematic review, guidelines (new review edition)
• Guidelines for the Introduction of New Drugs in Hospitals - non systematic review, guidelines
• Indications of PET for the Andalusian Health Service. - 2nd systematic review, expert panel
• National Study on Neurosurgical Therapies for Parkinson's Disease. - primary research
• Integral Plan for Healthcare Technology 2003-2008
• Assessment Framework for Genetic Testing Services in Andalusia.

Future plans

1. Increasing citizens and professionals' participation in evaluation projects
2. To integrate ethical aspects and values in the evaluation process for health technologies
3. Promoting research in the field of health technologies
4. Increasing the monitoring of the impact of health technologies evaluation in decision making
5. To establish collaboration of other entities in international projects.