PLENARY THEMES

"Sustainable HTA For Sustainable Health Systems"

Health systems around the world are grappling with the complex task of integrating technologies to meet rapidly evolving needs, while also preserving the sustainability of the health system. Sustainability, defined by the United Nations as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs," is central to this process. Health technology assessment (HTA) plays a critical role in evaluating the real value of technologies and ensuring that innovations align with societal goals and long-term viability. Challenges such as the rise of novel and intricate innovations, scarcity of skilled evaluators, and diverse ethical contexts are factors impacting both health system and HTA processes. In addition, as the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, the long-term resilience of health systems and their ability to withstand shocks depend on a range of factors that contribute to sustaining and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Through lively and interactive discussion, Plenary One will explore the following:

• What does sustainability mean in a broader context and how can HTA contribute to the sustainability of health systems in an era of increased disruptive innovations and growing networks?
• How can HTA ensure sustainability within itself in the face of increasing and challenging demands from health authorities in the race towards reaching a sustainable health system?

The discussion will examine common challenges currently faced by health authorities in both developed and in-developing healthcare systems, what these systems need from HTA, and what HTA needs to be able to effectively respond. Diverse perspectives from panelists and audience members will contribute to the animated discourse.

"Global Collaboration For A Global Challenge: Do Meta-Networks Help?"

Today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape has given rise to new paradigms in patient care and decision-making. At the heart of this transformation lie networks—individual, jurisdictional, and global—which wield immense influence over health technology assessment (HTA) processes. This interconnectedness has the potential to expedite decision-making processes, leading to more efficient healthcare delivery and resource allocation.

Plenary Two will delve into the role and potential of global networks in fostering innovation and collaboration in HTA, and the pivotal role they play in shaping HTA methodologies and outcomes. Crucial points will be discussed, such as:

• How can international collaboration e.g., networks, address challenges facing HTA, and how does this affect the various stakeholder groups?
• How can networks facilitate sustainability and innovation in HTA globally and in regions where HTA is not well established from a policy or practical standpoint?
• Are Global “Meta-Networks” a pipe dream or a practical possibility?

The impact of networks on health technology assessment is undeniable and far-reaching. The present landscape benefits from interconnectedness, fostering collaboration and improving decision-making. This thought-provoking and captivating discussion will look to the future, to establish even greater potential, from individual to global impact.

"Breaking Boundaries: Unleashing Innovation In Health" 

Innovation in healthcare is intrinsically tied to the generation value, emphasizing its multifaceted nature. Beyond the development of novel treatments or technologies, healthcare innovation is about enhancing patient outcomes, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs. The integration of technology, data, and patient-centered health services is at the forefront of driving innovation and value in healthcare. However, realizing the full potential of innovation presents formidable challenges.

New technologies introduce complexities to health systems, impacting stakeholders such as HTA practitioners and decision-makers tasked with equitable patient care. The lexicon of healthcare innovation brims with terms like digital technologies, artificial intelligence, chatbots, blockchain, data interoperability, omics, photonics, nanotechnology, and additive manufacturing to name a few. Remarkably, these often evoke images of individual innovators or small, nimble teams. This prompts questions about their motivation and direction.

• Are healthcare systems, including patients, professionals, managers, funders, and policymakers, prepared to fully embrace innovations?
• Are traditional methods of assessing value still well-suited to dealing with emerging technologies, or should we devise new ones for the myriad challenges ahead?
• Does the analysis of innovation value adequately consider core ethical and societal values?
• Is the traditional RCTs paradigm adequately suited for evaluating the specificities of emerging Medtech innovations?

These compelling inquiries will be explored in an innovative plenary session merging artificial intelligence and human expertise.