HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN CENTRAL, EASTERN, AND SOUTH EUROPEAN COUNTRIES: CROATIA

Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide a brief, 7-year history of health technology assessment (HTA) implementation in Croatia through national and international activities. Methods: We used retrospective descriptive analysis of key documents related to the legal framework, process of decision making, and HTA. Analysis of the Agency's plan for and experience with the implementation of a transparent HTA process in Croatia was performed by addressing seven key components of the HTA implementation scorecard framework. The main challenges and facilitating factors were also assessed. Results: HTA is not yet fully implemented in Croatia. The main challenges are the insufficient legal framework, limited human and financial resources, and limited stakeholder involvement. Facilitating factors are active international collaboration and education through EUnetHTA and the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research and production of national and international HTA reports. Conclusions: The HTA process is not yet sustainable in Croatia and HTA reports are still not mandatory for reimbursement/investment or disinvestment decision processes. There are still barriers to overcome.