Health technology assessment (HTA): a brief introduction of history and the current status in the field of cardiology under the economic crisis

In a time of economic recession health technology assessment is an established aid in decision making in many countries in order to identify cost‐containment policy options. Moreover, as the volume, complexity, and cost of new medical technology increases, the need for evaluating benefits, risks and costs becomes increasingly important. In recent years there has been a proliferation of health technology assessment initiatives internationally, aimed in introducing rationality in the decision‐making process, informing reimbursement, providing clinical guidance on the use of medical technologies across the world in an evidence‐based decision‐making environment and in pricing decisions.