History and structure
UETS was established in 2003 as the Agency of Health Technology Assessment of the Community of Madrid (Spain). Our Unit belong to the Laín Entralgo Agency, a non-profit public agency of education, health research and studies supported by the regional Ministry of Health of the Community of the Madrid. UETS is structured in two sections - Analysis and Projects, and Technical Assessment and Reports - with a coordinator for each section.

Mission
UETS' mission is to generate high-quality and evidence-based HTA information to facilitate decision making in the regional healthcare system of Madrid. We used criteria related to efficacy, safety, effectiveness, efficiency, and equity, always evidence based and context-specific focused.

How UETS works
Most UETS products and services are developed at the request of the regional health government of the Community of Madrid. Our initial HTA portfolio includes HTA reports, rapid reports, systematic reviews and monitoring the use of emerging technologies. Technical reports and reports on specific technical consultations are developed through a review process to assess the quality of publications and the level of evidence presented by studies. Furthermore, UETS is involved in academic activities, healthcare services research- using appropriate use assessment of medical and surgical procedures (RAND-Method)- and we are also working in the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Dissemination activities
Dissemination activities may vary depending on the nature of the HTA products and services. Reports are published in Spanish and can be obtained from our webpage (www.madrid.org/lainentralgo). An abstract in both English and Spanish is available for most reports. The UETS offers education activities and professional training at regional and national level, as a way to disseminate actively the knowledge generated by our Unit.

Current projects (a selection)

• Economic evaluation of drug eluting stent for ischemic heart disease treatment using our registry of the Community of Madrid
• Elaboration of HTA reports using efficacy, effectiveness, safety and efficiency criteria (PET in Breast Cancer, Immediate Breast Reconstruction in Breast Cancer)
• Implementation of appropriateness studies of specific medical and surgical procedures through a health care services research network in Spain (appropriateness criteria for cataract surgery, admission criteria for patients with exacerbation of COPD, appropriateness criteria for Carotid Endarterectomy Treatment)
• Collaboration in Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG)/development at regional and national level (CPG for Knee arthrosis, CPG for anxiety disorders)
• Health Service Research. Assessment of the re-designed diagnosis process for colorectal cancer, Cervical cancer screening and HPV

Future plans

• To design specific guidelines to facilitate the introduction of technology in healthcare centers in Madrid
• To involve clinicians in the HTA process in the Community ofMadrid
• To continue offering academic activities for healthcare professionals and healthcare services research
• To improve the dissemination of our products and services for decision-makers needs in our settings