Impact of CEDIT recommendations: An example of health technology assessment in a hospital network

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of CEDIT (French Committee for the Assessment and Dissemination of Technological Innovations) recommendations on the introduction of technological innovations within the AP-HP (Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris), the French hospital network to which this body is attached. Methods: In 2002, a study based on semidirective interviews of fourteen people affected by these recommendations and a case study relating to thirteen recommendations issued between 1995 and 1998 were conducted. Results: The CEDIT is very scientifically reputable among interviewees. There is generally widespread interest for the recommendations. They are used as decision-making tools by administrative staff and as negotiating instruments by doctors in their dealings with management. Based on the case study, ten of thirteen recommendations had an impact on the introduction of the technology in health establishments. One recommendation appears not to have had an impact. Furthermore, the impact of two technologies was impossible to assess. Conclusions: This study highlights the significant impact of recommendations arising from a structure that is attached to a hospital network and the good match between CEDIT's objectives and its assignments.