Abstract
Introduction: The incorporation of health technologies into the Unified Health System (SUS) requires wellstructured decisions based on scientific evidence and aligned with national guidelines. In this context, Health Technology Assessment (HTA) plays a central role by providing a systematic analysis of the clinical, economic, and social aspects of technologies, aiming to support decisions regarding their adoption, use, or discontinuation. In the state pharmaceutical assistance of Rio de Janeiro, the analysis of incorporation requests revealed the need for a standardized instrument to guide and qualify these assessments. The proposal is to promote greater technical consistency and alignment with national guidelines, strengthening the decisionmaking process. Objective: To develop and present an institutional form for the assessment of medication incorporation requests, focusing on technical qualification, transparency, traceability, and adherence to HTA best practices. Methods: A documentary analysis of the methodological guidelines of the National Committee for Health Technology Incorporation (Conitec) was conducted, with emphasis on budget impact estimation, as well as the Technical Manual of the eNatJus System, published by the National Council of Justice. Based on these references, a structured form was developed, covering clinical, epidemiological, economic, and operational aspects, aiming to guide the technical assessment of requests submitted by managed units. The instrument underwent internal validation with technical specialists, prioritizing practical applicability and compliance with current regulations. Results: The analysis of technical documents allowed the identification of essential criteria for technology assessment, which were adapted to the practical context of pharmaceutical assistance management in the State of Rio de Janeiro. The developed form includes specific fields for technical characterization of the technology (Brazilian Common Denomination/International Nonproprietary Name – DCB/DCI, therapeutic class, regulatory approval, patent status), analysis of the intended indication versus the package insert, monthly treatment cost, existence of already incorporated alternatives, VEN classification (vital, essential, nonessential), advantages compared with standardized technologies, and scientific evidence supporting these advantages. Since its implementation, the tool has contributed to improving assessment processes, providing greater agility, standardization, and control over institutional decisions. Conclusions: The adaptation of national guidelines to the context of state pharmaceutical assistance resulted in a practical and structured tool for assessing health technology incorporation requests. More than a technical instrument, the form represents an important step toward consolidating the HTA culture in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Its application has promoted more transparent and evidencebased decisions, while strengthening institutional control over requests, with the potential to inspire similar initiatives in other public institutions.
