INAHTA Product Type (IPT) Classification
The INAHTA Product Type (IPT) Classification is a standardized system that defines and categorizes common types of health technology assessment (HTA) reports. It helps different agencies use consistent names and methods for HTA products like full reports, rapid reviews, and mini-HTAs, so they can better share and adapt each other's work.
At a glance
Use when
Classifying or comparing HTA products across agencies; developing or adapting HTA reports with shared standards; improving transparency in HTA output types
Avoid when
Detailed methodological guidance is required; assessing non-standard or highly specialized HTA formats not covered by the three consensus types
Outputs
Standardized classification label (e.g., HTA Report, Rapid Review, Mini-HTA) with associated methodological expectations
How it works
The IPT Classification emerged from a multi-survey initiative (2010–2013) across 45 INAHTA member agencies to harmonize HTA product definitions. It classifies HTA outputs into standardized types—HTA Reports, Mini-HTAs, and Rapid Reviews—based on methodological rigor, scope, and production time. The classification supports cross-agency adaptation and reduces duplication through the IPT Mark, a labeling system indicating product type and underlying methodology.
- HTA domains
- Clinical Effectiveness, Costs & Economic Evaluation, Organisational aspects
- Assumptions
- HTA products can be meaningfully categorized by their methodological characteristics and purpose; consistent labeling improves interoperability and reuse across agencies
- Strengths
- Promotes terminology harmonization across HTA agencies; facilitates adaptation and reduces duplication; clearly communicates the balance between rigor and timeliness
- Limitations
- Does not standardize full methodologies, only product types; may not capture all local or contextual variations in HTA production
- Also known as
- IPT Classification, INAHTA Product Type, IPT Mark
Questions this answers
- › What type of HTA product is this (e.g., full assessment, rapid review, mini-HTA)?
- › What methodological rigor and depth can be expected from this HTA product?
- › How timely is the assessment relative to standard HTA processes?
- › Can this HTA product be adapted or reused by another agency?
- › What core domains (e.g., clinical effectiveness, economic evaluation) are covered in this product?
- › Is there a trade-off between speed and comprehensiveness in this assessment?
References & sources
Similar by meaning
Beta record. Based on the original catalogue summary; primary-source enrichment pending.