ASSESSING INNOVATIVE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES (ATS) FOR OLDER ADULTS: AN EXECUTIVE SPONSOR'S PERSPECTIVE

Abstract The BC Ministry of Health (BC MoH)’s Technology Assessment unit is part the Partnerships and Innovation Division. Our interest in this project concerns status ATs health technology assessment (HTA) process. role AT implementation as a key feature potential for new to maximize impact older adults something sees critical meet goal enhancing healthy ageing sustaining independence autonomy. Methods: From beginning project, Executive Sponsor, Division helped co-create research program played developing partnerships with authorities other stakeholders. With monthly meetings several activities, has provided multiple opportunities genuine policy engagement. Results: results so far have seen extend scope its stakeholders BC. was on local reference group knowledge users rapid realist review participatory co-design, Mr. Saini co-author publication based that work. received additional funding from MoH, recently collaborated successful University Victoria Research Acceleration Fund grant application. Conclusions: MoH science which will provide guidance HTA process, it inevitably confronts increased demand public provision adults, particularly vulnerable disadvantaged groups.