The development of health technology assessment (HTA) reports is a time-consuming process that requires highly trained human resources. In many Latin American countries this type of personnel is scarce. The adaptation of HTA could be a time-saving process to get inputs for decision. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of use of HTA adaptation process and to describe type of tools used in this process in Latin American countries.

The Health Technology Assessment Network of the Americas (REDETSA) is a non-profit network formed by ministries of health, regulatory authorities and health technology assessment agencies (PAHO/WHO). During the last meeting of REDETSA in November 2018, we performed an exploration survey to gather information related to the topic in order to promote the creation of an adaptation working group. The question was whether HTA agencies did adaptation of HTA reports and, if so, what methods and tools were used and what sections of the report were adapted.

Thirty-three institutions from fourteen Latin American countries answered to the consultation. Seven countries do adaptation of HTA (50 percent) and one country does adoption. Of those countries that adapt HTA, three do only economic transferability. Methods and tools are usually developed locally or there is not a systematic approach. In two countries, the economic study transferability tool developed by Hutter and Antoñaza is used.

Adaptation of HTA is not well developed among Latin American agencies, although it seems to be an efficient strategy when assessing efficacy and safety. Adaptation of economic studies is still controversial; nevertheless, it is used in some of the countries of the region. It is necessary to advance in the development of HTA adaptation tools, developed and adapted to local contexts in the region.