Hospital-based HTA (HB-HTA) in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) regions: a scoping review protocol

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to explore existing literature related to hospital-based HTA in the Latin America and Caribbean regions to examine and map the evidence. Introduction: Hospital-based HTA is a specific context “in” and “for” HTA in hospitals. This context is multidisciplinary, systematic, and evidence-based approach that considers the clinical, economic, and organizational aspects of implementing and utilizing a particular technology in a hospital setting, considering moving the assessment closer to the point of care, where technology's costs, impacts, and benefits can be directly assessed. HB-HTA aims to provide solid and relevant information to support evidence-based decision-making regarding adopting, excluding, and using health technologies in hospitals. HB-HTA programs can yield positive outcomes, enhancing the quality of care and generating substantial financial savings.Inclusion criteria: This scoping review will consider studies addressing hospital-based HTA in Latin America and Caribbean regions related on health technologies used in hospitals. The working definition of hospital-based HTA in this review is a combination approach of clinical, economic, and organizational aspects of implementing and utilizing a particular technology in a hospital setting. Additionally, to mapping and summarizing relevant methodological papers from any international HTA Agency regarding to HB-HTA. Methods: Four databases will be searched for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods study designs. The gray literature search will include policy and practice documents from HTA and health organization websites. The reference lists of all included papers will be screened for additional relevant studies. Two reviewers will independently complete title and abstract screening prior to full-text review and data extraction.