Characteristics of published mini and rapid health technology assessments reports: a cross-sectional analysis

OBJECTIVES: While rapid health technology assessments (HTA) are important for decision makers, there is no universally accepted definition or standardized methods. The objective of this study was to analyze the content and conduct of published rapid and mini-HTA reports. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of rapid and mini-HTA reports identified from the International HTA Database (2014-April 2024) and supplementary searches of HTA agency websites. We extracted descriptive data on rapid HTA products; specifically, which traditional HTA domains were included or omitted, evidence synthesis methods, and approaches to interest-holder (formerly known as stakeholder) engagement. Data analysis was conducted in Stata. RESULTS: We included 203 rapid HTA reports. Most frequently included HTA domains were clinical effectiveness (99 percent) and safety (82.3 percent). Legal aspects (12.3 percent) and budget impact analyses (10.8 percent) were less frequently reported. Across reports reviewing clinical effectiveness (n = 201), generic literature searches were the most predominantly self-reported evidence synthesis method (37.8 percent), with updates (1.5 percent) and overviews (2 percent) of systematic reviews less common. Cost-utility analyses were the most commonly self-reported form of economic evaluation (36.2 percent). Additionally, public consultations (68 percent) were the most commonly reported ways to engage with interest holders. CONCLUSION: Our analysis highlights variations across rapid HTA reports and will contribute to wider research aiming to establish a clearer definition and framework of rapid HTAs and inform when and how rapid HTAs are performed. Clearer reporting and justification of simplifications in rapid HTA reports are needed.