This assessment aimed to identify the degree and parameters of demand for support from HTAsiaLink, the Asia regional health technology assessment (HTA) hub, for HTA ecosystem development.

A sequential, exploratory, mixed-method design was implemented, starting with a literature review to define the Asia region’s HTA landscape. Then an online survey was sent to 125 Asia-focused HTA practitioners and support organizations to obtain their thoughts on HTA development needs and how a regional hub could serve them. Finally, fifty purposively selected key informants representing government HTA agencies in Asia, funding partner organizations, philanthropic foundations, global HTA support, and regional HTA hub organizations were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Nineteen Asian countries and territories were represented in documents reviewed. Twenty-five recipients from ten Asian countries and territories responded to the survey, and twenty-eight individuals from eight Asian countries and territories plus eight international organizations participated in interviews.

Identified needs include support to fill HTA human resources gaps, strengthen the capacity of the existing HTA workforce, produce HTA public goods, improve harmonization within and across country systems, and strengthen political will. Other important considerations include the need to adapt the hub’s purpose to an expanding role and adopt sustainable financing approaches accordingly.

Demand for an HTA hub in Asia is high, including to support HTA technical, deliberative processes, and institutional capacity strengthening. Findings underscore the importance of both conducting HTAs and fostering demand for HTA output. HTAsiaLink is recognized as well-positioned to play an expanded support role to address these needs.

Influenza can be introduced and propagated in healthcare settings by healthcare workers (HCWs) working while ill with influenza. However, reasons driving this behavior are unclear. In this study, we examined barriers to and facilitators of absenteeism during the influenza season.

Cross-sectional mixed methods study.

Ambulatory and inpatient settings in a large, tertiary-care healthcare system.

An anonymous electronic survey was sent to HCWs between June 11 and July 13, 2018, asking participants to self-report influenza-like illness (ie, ILI symptoms of fever, chills, cough, or sore throat) during the 2017–2018 influenza season. We conducted a logistical regression analysis to identify factors associated with absenteeism.

Of 14,250 HCWs, 17% responded to the survey. Although 1,180 respondents (51%) reported symptoms of ILI, 575 (43%) did not stay home while ill. The most commonly perceived barriers to ILI absenteeism included being understaffed (odds ratio [OR], 1.78; P = .04), unable to find a replacement for work (OR, 2.26; P = .03), desiring not to use time off (OR, 2.25; P = .003), and paid by the hour or unable to afford being absent (OR, 2.05; P = .02). Common perceived facilitators of absenteeism included support from coworkers and management, clearer policy, better sick days availability, and lower perceived threat of disciplinary action.

Reporting to work with ILI symptoms is common among HCWs. Most barriers and facilitators are related to systems. Addressing system factors, such as policies regarding sick days and sick leave and ensuring adequate backup staffing, is likely to facilitate absenteeism among ill HCWs.