From recommendation to reversal: an analysis of the reasons for changes in the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technology’s position based on public consultations

Abstract

This study analyzes the reasons for changes to the initial recommendations of opinions issued by the National Committee for Health Technology Incorporation (Conitec) after public consultations. Through exploratory, documentary research, 45 public consultations conducted by the Committee in 2020 were analyzed. Of these 45 consultations, seven had their initial understanding changed based on the recommendations received during public consultations. Results show that the economic aspects of the analyzed technologies, along with safety and effectiveness criteria, were the main arguments considered to modify preliminary recommendations. Public consultation is a democratic mechanism with the potential to generate progress in the development of a more equitable Brazilian National Health System (SUS) that meets the real interests of society.