Process

The California Technology Assessment Forum follows this process for the evaluation of new and emerging technologies:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Analyze and Publish 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. To be considered safe and effective, medical technologies must meet all five of the technology assessment criteria.

4. Vote
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.


Home > Assessments > Process Process The California Technology Assessment Forum follows this process for the evaluation of new and emerging technologies: 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. Analyze and Publish 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. To be considered safe and effective, medical technologies must meet all five of the technology assessment criteria. 4. Vote 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.