Cardiff, Wales, UK

History & Structure

Health Technology Wales (HTW) was established by the Welsh Government in November 2017 as an independent, national HTA body that collaborates with health, social care and  other partners to improve the quality of care in Wales. HTW’s remit covers any health technology that is not a medicine, such as medical devices, surgical procedures or different models for supporting families, children and adults. The HTW team includes the Director and various multidisciplinary staff (n=30).

Vision

To be a world-class HTA organisation that facilitates the identification, appraisal and adoption of innovative health and social care technologies that offer most promise to deliver improved health, well-being and value for the people of Wales

Mission

HTW is responsible for delivering a strategic, national approach to the identification, appraisal and adoption of new health technologies into health and care settings across NHS Wales, linking into national agendas for innovation and prudent healthcare. HTW aims to accelerate the uptake of high impact technologies that add value for NHS Wales and deliver health benefits as quickly as possible for the people of Wales, as well as encourage disinvestment in current health technologies that are found to be less effective or obsolete.

How the Agency Works

Our work currently focuses on three key areas:

  • This includes horizon scanning. HTW collaborates with partners across the health, social care and technology sectors to ensure a consistent, national approach to the identification of technologies expected to have a major impact on future health and care in Wales. HTW also signposts technology innovators to the relevant organisations within Wales who can provide advice and support.
  • Appraisal (HTA). HTW independently assesses non-medicine healthcare technologies and issue independent, national guidance based on the best available evidence and expertise. HTW’s work aims to inform commissioning by care providers and supports decision makers to make evidence-informed decisions on both technology investments and disinvestments.
  • HTW assesses value and optimises the use of clinically- and cost-effective care technologies in Wales. HTW monitors the uptake of HTW and NICE guidanceacross the Welsh care system. This includes both adoption of new technologies and disinvestment of older, less effective technologies.

Dissemination Activities

HTW reports and guidance are published on the HTW website, and disseminated to key stakeholders within NHS Wales and the broader Welsh care sector. HTW also disseminate our news and publications through the HTW website and social media.

Recently Completed or Milestone HTA Reports

  • FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring for the management of diabetes.
  • Strategies for Relatives (START) intervention to improve the mental health of carers of people with dementia.
  • Haemodialysis antimicrobial barrier caps (ClearGuard).

Current Projects (Selected)

Further information on completed and ongoing appraisals can be found on the HTW website (www.healthtechnology.wales)

Future Plans

  • To continue to provide independent, authoritative guidance on the use of medical technologies in Wales.
  • To support technology adoption and innovation in Wales.
  • To further contribute to national and international collaboration on HTA with other HTA organisations.
  • To improve communication of and engagement with HTW work and guidance through the use of a communications strategy and implementation plan.
  • To evaluate the impact of HTW work and guidance through the use of an impact and evaluation strategy.

Agency Information

Country: Wales, United Kingdom
Description of population served: National
Population served (mil): 3.125
Current HTA budget (mil USD): USD $2.2 million (£1.65 million)
Permanent staff: 30
Consultants: 0
Ongoing TA projects: Variable (see HTW website for ongoing projects)

Contact Information

Director: Susan Myles, PhD
Contact person: Susan Myles, PhD

Health Technology Wales (HTW)
Life Sciences Hub Wales
3 Assembly Square
Cardiff
CF10 4PL

Tel: 02920 468947
Internet: http://www.healthtechnology.wales/
Email: healthtechnology@wales.nhs.uk