Diagnostics tests and test technologies - troubleshooting

Developing your research proposal

What is meant by ‘Health Technology’?

Health Technology is an internationally recognised term that covers any method used by those working in health services to promote health, prevent and treat disease and improve rehabilitation and long-term care. "Technologies" in this context are not confined to new drugs or pieces of sophisticated equipment. For more details see our what is HTA page.

What is meant by the term analytical performance?

for our purposes by analytical performance we are referring to the ability of a test to measure accurately and reliably the factor of interest and is part of the technical assessment of test performance, usually during the test development phase. It is a step prior to the assessment of diagnostic accuracy.

Where can I locate further information about the diagnostic tests and test technologies call?

Please follow the link: www.hta.ac.uk/funding/themedcalls/diagnostics.shtml 

How often are 'themed calls' run?

We only run one 'themed call' per year and each year is a different theme so Diagnostic Tests and Test technologies will not be run again any time soon.  However our Clinical Evaluations and Trials funding stream welcomes applications throughout the year http://www.hta.ac.uk/funding/clinicaltrials/index.shtml

Is there a limit to the number of applicants allowed on outline proposals form?

For the outline proposal stage of the process, we limit the number of applicants to eight; this can be increased at full proposal stage if required.

Can there be two joint applicants?

Unfortunately the form only allows there to be one lead applicant although it does allow for other joint applicants to be included.

Is this call open to fund proposals outside the UK?

 A passage from our guidelines states:

“HTA has from time to time funded proposals from outside the UK where this is the best means of meeting an NHS research requirement. The rationale for such an application should be clearly set out and each case will be judged on its merits in consultation with the Department of Health. It is acceptable for you to collaborate with someone overseas; the HTA programme is not limited to applicants in the UK. Applicants should note however that in order to maintain relevance to the NHS, it is expected that the trial should either be coordinated from the UK or have significant NHS participation.”

What is the deadline for the forms to be submitted?

The forms have to be submitted by 1pm on 25^th February 2009.

How much funding is available through the Diagnostic tests and test technologies Call for research proposals?

There are no limits on the amount of funding you can apply for from the HTA programme.  Each proposal will be assessed for value for money, amongst other things, and the Board may decide that some costs can be reduced for some proposals before they will agree to fund them.  Also, we have a limited budget from which to provide funding, however, we don't restrict applicants to the amount they can apply for.

Can we charge for stationery items, such as paper and printer cartridges and telephone calls, if they are project specific rather and just for general use i.e telephone interviews with patients paper for questionnaires?

Yes, you can charge estates and yes, we will cover specific phone calls to patients and paper for questionnaires, but not for general office costs which should come out of indirect costs.

What foramt should we use when producing flow diagrams and what details are needed?

For assistance regarding flow diagrams please refer to http://www.consort-statement.org/ 

What is the contact information for the Themed Call Team?

You can either e-mail us on htatcall@soton.ac.uk or call us on Tel: 023 8059 5621.

If our application to this call was successful when would we be able to start the project?

We would estimate that March 2010 would be a realistic start date at this time, assuming that your research proposals is for a primary research project which would need ethics approval etc.

What is the word limit for each field within the form?

Applicants should be aware that there are character limits set for each text box within the application form; this is to ensure that the form can print out correctly and the limits depend on the amount of text inserted into each box. If applicants are cutting and pasting text into the application form and exceed the character limit, an error message will appear which states ' There is too much text to fit on printed form. It has been changed to indicate where the limit has been reached'. A symbol '<----->' will appear within the body of text inserted to indicate the character limit for the text box.  The text can be removed and placed into a word processing document to determine the character limit for the box to help applicants adjust their text to fit the required word limit.

As text space is limited in the outline application form are we expected to include reference citations within the text and/or a list of references?

At outline proposal stage, we would not expect applicants to submit any other documentation other than the application form and flow diagram (where necessary). We leave it to your discretion to decide what information you feel is especially pertinent to the application and needs to be included in the form.

What would be seen as a reasonable timescale for a project submitted to this call?

There are no limits on the duration of projects that the HTA will look to fund. Each proposal will be assessed and the timescales, amongst other things, looked at. The Board may decide that the timings can be can be reduced (or increased) for some proposals before they will agree to fund them. In short, the Board will not be put off by a proposal simply because it will run for a long time.

We advise applicants to be candid about the amount of time and money they think their project will require.

Would the limited use of a technology preclude it from a call, or would it be considered, or only considered as a pilot?

The HTA programme commissions research that is immediately useful to clinical practice and policy/decision makers. HTA research is undertaken when there is reason to think the technology is efficacious but there is uncertainty around its clinical and cost effectiveness in a real life NHS setting in comparison to the current best alternative(s). There may also be uncertainty around its place in the existing care pathway.

If the above has been established in the case of the technology, then you may wish to submit an application.

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