About Health technology wales
Health Technology Wales: Improving Healthcare Quality in Wales
Health Technology Wales (HTW) is a national body that aims to improve the quality of healthcare in Wales. The organization collaborates with partners across health, social care, and technology sectors to ensure an all-Wales approach. HTW's mission is to provide evidence-based advice on the use of new and emerging health technologies, which can help improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.
HTW was established in 2017 as part of the Welsh Government's strategy for improving healthcare quality. The organization operates independently but works closely with other bodies such as NHS Wales, Public Health Wales, and Social Care Wales. HTW's work is guided by a board of directors who are experts in their respective fields.
One of HTW's key roles is to evaluate new health technologies that are being developed or introduced into the market. This includes medical devices, diagnostic tests, digital health tools, and pharmaceuticals. HTW assesses these technologies based on their clinical effectiveness, safety profile, cost-effectiveness, and impact on patient outcomes.
HTW also provides guidance on how these technologies can be best used within the Welsh healthcare system. This includes recommendations for training programs for healthcare professionals who will be using these technologies and advice on how they can be integrated into existing care pathways.
In addition to its evaluation work, HTW also conducts research into emerging health technologies. This research helps identify areas where new innovations could have a significant impact on patient outcomes or where there may be gaps in current knowledge.
Another important aspect of HTW's work is its engagement with patients and members of the public. The organization seeks input from patients when evaluating new health technologies so that their perspectives are taken into account when making recommendations about their use.
Overall, Health Technology Wales plays a vital role in improving healthcare quality in Wales by providing evidence-based advice on new and emerging health technologies. Its collaborative approach ensures that all stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process, and its work is guided by a commitment to improving patient outcomes and reducing costs.