Identifying topics for research

The HTA programme commissions research that is needed by the NHS. Suggestions for research are actively sought from the public. These can involve ways of promoting health, preventing or treating disease or improving rehabilitation that could usefully be assessed for its effectiveness, for example:

• Drugs: such as antidepressants, contraceptives, pain killers
• Devices: such as hearing aids, pacemakers and pressure mattresses
• Procedures: such as surgical techniques, counselling and physiotherapy
• Settings of care: such as doctors surgeries and hospitals
• Screening: for things like sexually transmitted diseases, cancer and Down's syndrome

Any person or group can make a suggestion for research to the HTA programme by completing an on-line suggestion form.

Resources are available to help you with making a suggestion in the useful documents section.

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