About SBU

SBU, Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services, is charged with undertaking independent assessments of methods used in health, medical and dental services. SBU also evaluates methods used by social services and services provided with the support of the Law regulating Support and Service to Persons with Certain Functional Disabilities (LSS).

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We assess and compile research

By reviewing and compiling current and well-performed research, SBU discover what effect different methods and interventions have. We also examine if there are any risks or ethical problems, how they are perceived and what gives best value for money. We perform this in a systematic and transparent way, which also can be reproduced.

We compile the results of the assessments into reports. Our reports form an important basis for other authorities' work in developing guidance, and they can also be used as a basis for official reports and legislation.

SBU reports

SBU's ongoing projects

We identify and prioritize scientific knowledge gaps

SBU identifies methods and interventions whose effects there is insufficient knowledge about, so-called scientific knowledge gaps. We also prioritize which of the knowledge gaps are most important to fill with practical research. We then start from the perspective of users, patients, clients, relatives, and healthcare professionals.

Identified knowledge gaps are regularly published in our database for evidence gaps.

We educate and answer questions

SBU offers an information service that can provide basis for decisions to questioners who are active in health care, dental care, social services, and social care. If you work in these areas, you can submit suggestions for questions through our enquiry service.

To increase the dissemination of knowledge, we also offer training in methodological knowledge and how scientific data can be used in practice. We offer both courses and seminars aimed at employees at authorities, regions, universities, and other institutions. We have also published a method support on our website.

SBU's method support

We participate in international methodological development

Interest in the evaluation of methods and interventions in health and social care is growing globally, but resources are limited. This is why the importance of working internationally is increasing. SBU plays a strong and leading role among the organizations that work with evaluation in health and social issues in different countries. SBU’s mission includes, among other things, being the contact authority on international issues and supporting both European cooperation and other international cooperation.

SBU's international work

Scientific articles published by SBU