Page 112 - FIGHT AGAINST UNCERTAINTY 5 FEB 2021

Cultivating Evidence

Based Practices

With COVID-19 being a new disease entity, there was previously a lack
of evidence and data on the pathogen itself, its mode of transmission,
disease course, treatment and preventive measures. Over time, as new
findings emerge, there is an urgent need for up-to-date management
guidelines. In response to this call MaHTAS played its critical role, as
they conducted literature reviews and international guidelines on the
management of COVID-19. Relying on guidelines issued by international
organisations such as WHO and the United States Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (US CDC), they provide evidence-based reviews
of current practices as well as new technologies/innovations and tools
related to the management of COVID-19. These evidence-based reviews
and reports serve as inputs for the development of national standard
operating procedures and guidelines, as well as the dissemination of
accurate information. To stay relevant, MaHTAS also actively networks
with the International Health Technology network which includes the
International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment
(INAHTA), Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi),
HTAsiaLink, International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes
Research (ISPOR), Guidelines International Network (GIN), and EuroScan
International Network. As of 31 October 2020, 22 rapid evidence
reviews were done during the pandemic COVID-19 by integrating best
available research evidence to assess the effectiveness, safety and cost
effectiveness of various technologies and issues related to IPC.

1. List of MaHTAS COVID-19 rapid
1 evidence review on Infection
prevention & control issues
2 3 2. Report by New Straits Times, 5 April
2020
3. Infographic on Infrared thermal
imaging/scanner Rapid Evidence
Review available at MaHTAS
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