The 'targeted' consultation underway on the two Delphi studies is designed to advance the next steps in implementing the Health Technology Assessment Review.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has declined to release a list of the targeted stakeholders or a detailed breakdown of their sector representation.
According to a spokesperson, "The letter inviting stakeholders to participate in consultation on HUCN and HATV referenced at a high level the approximate number of stakeholder groups invited to participate (85). The invitations were sent to multiple individuals (over 500) within these groups. For example, the high-level list focused on industry stakeholders with public responses to the HTA Review, given their previous engagement. The department chose to send the invitation to all sponsors of PBS-listed medicines to ensure all sponsors had the opportunity to participate."
However, it can be revealed that the list of targeted stakeholders also included many organisations with no direct interest in health technology assessment, let alone the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or National Immunisation Program.
The studies, led by the Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation at the University of Technology Sydney and Adelaide Health Technology Assessment at Adelaide University, involve two online questionnaires.
They are anonymous with no passwords or barriers to participation, and given the significance of the process to Australia's public health system, this publication believes a closed, targeted process involving a select group of stakeholders is entirely inappropriate.
Below are links to the questionnaires to encourage broader participation beyond those already targeted.
