The California Technology Assessment Forum follows this process for the evaluation of new and emerging technologies.
1. Search for literature
As new and emerging technologies are identified, a thorough search of the scientific literature is conducted. Positions and opinions of medical specialty societies and physician experts are solicited. Reports from government agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and others are obtained.
2. Analyze data & form recommendation
Medical consultants who are experts in evaluating scientific evidence analyze the published scientific literature and prepare a recommendation on the agenda topics to be reviewed by the Forum. Blue Shield of California Foundation contracts with UCSF for evidence review and analysis and to prepare recommendations and written reports for CTAF. To be considered safe and effective, medical technologies must meet all five of the technology assessment criteria.
3. Public meetings and invitations
CTAF holds meetings in open forum three times per year in either Northern or Southern California.Invitations are extended to leaders of local medical and professional societies, representatives of healthcare and regulatory agencies, physician experts from academic centers and the community, health plan representatives and manufacturers. Guests and medical professionals are invited to attend and comment at the meeting.
4. Vote by panel members
Once a topic is presented and reviewed and public opinion is provided, the Forum panel may vote to accept, modify or reject the recommendation, or table the discussion until more information is available. Only Forum panel members may vote.
1. Search for literature
As new and emerging technologies are identified, a thorough search of the scientific literature is conducted. Positions and opinions of medical specialty societies and physician experts are solicited. Reports from government agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and others are obtained.
2. Analyze data & form recommendation
Medical consultants who are experts in evaluating scientific evidence analyze the published scientific literature and prepare a recommendation on the agenda topics to be reviewed by the Forum. Blue Shield of California Foundation contracts with UCSF for evidence review and analysis and to prepare recommendations and written reports for CTAF. To be considered safe and effective, medical technologies must meet all five of the technology assessment criteria.
3. Public meetings and invitations
CTAF holds meetings in open forum three times per year in either Northern or Southern California.Invitations are extended to leaders of local medical and professional societies, representatives of healthcare and regulatory agencies, physician experts from academic centers and the community, health plan representatives and manufacturers. Guests and medical professionals are invited to attend and comment at the meeting.
4. Vote by panel members
Once a topic is presented and reviewed and public opinion is provided, the Forum panel may vote to accept, modify or reject the recommendation, or table the discussion until more information is available. Only Forum panel members may vote.