Building capacity for medical device assessment: online training for Ukrainian experts

As Ukraine works to modernize its healthcare system and align with international standards, integrating health technology assessment (HTA) into the national decision-making process has become a strategic priority. While HTA practices for pharmaceuticals have advanced, substantial gaps persist in the evaluation of medical devices (MDs), which require distinct methodological approaches given their characteristics. This article presents the rationale, development, implementation, and results of a comprehensive online training program aimed at building national capacity in the MD assessment. The program targeted 71 Ukrainian professionals with prior experience in pharmaceutical evaluation but limited exposure to MD. Through 40 hours of live online sessions delivered from September to December 2024, the course emphasized interactive learning, contextual adaptation, and international best practices. Assessments showed significant knowledge gains, with 87 percent of participants completing the program successfully. The initiative demonstrates that targeted, competency-based training can enhance national HTA capacity and may serve as a model for other transitioning healthcare systems.