Perceptions of health technology assessment knowledge translation in China: a qualitative study on HTA researchers and policy-makers

Abstract

Although health technology assessment (HTA) has existed in China since the 1980s, the integration of HTA and policy-making is still in its infancy. Knowledge translation (KT) can play an important role in facilitating evidence-based policy-making. This study aims to describe the process of KT from researches to policy-makers and identifying the main determinants of the use of HTA evidence in policy-making in China. Researchers' and health policy-makers' perceptions of HTA KT were identified, using a grounded theory analysis approach. A theoretical framework consisting of four domains emerged to represent researchers' and policy-makers' perceptions of KT from HTA to policy making. Health policy-makers and researchers identified several determinants of KT, including HTA KT processes, alignment between research and decision-making and features of HTA research and health decisions, communication between policy-makers and HTA researchers, and support and resources for KT (organisational support, researchers' and health policy-makers' personal relationships and macro environment support).