Health technology assessment organizations from around the world convened in Cascais, Portugal, to delve into the current and future implications of artificial intelligence (AI) within the sector. The event, orchestrated by the Health Technology Assessment international (HTAi), featured a diverse array of participants, including ATS agencies, pharmaceutical industries, and patient representatives, with Brazil’s Conitec actively involved.
AI Integration Across ATS Lifecycle
Participants explored various AI applications across the health technology assessment lifecycle. Presentations showcased AI’s role in patient selection for clinical trials, evidence synthesis, economic model development, market monitoring, and administrative streamlining. The discussions revealed differing levels of AI maturity among countries, highlighting both advanced implementations and nascent opportunities for growth.
Balancing Innovation with Ethical Oversight
While consensus affirmed AI as a valuable enhancer for ATS processes, concerns regarding data security and transparency persisted. Delegates emphasized the necessity of human oversight to validate AI-generated data, ensuring ethical standards are maintained. Luciana Xavier from Conitec advocated for a harmonious blend of human expertise and AI efficiency to optimize health technology evaluations.
• AI can substantially reduce the time needed for data analysis and report generation in ATS.
• Data security and transparency remain critical challenges in AI adoption.
• Human oversight is vital to validate and interpret AI outputs, safeguarding ethical standards.
• Collaborative efforts are essential to standardize AI methodologies across different nations and organizations.
The forum also provided a platform for countries to share their unique experiences with AI in ATS, fostering a deeper understanding of how AI can be tailored to suit diverse healthcare systems and regulatory environments. This exchange highlighted both successes and challenges, paving the way for informed advancements in AI integration.
Looking ahead, the emphasis lies in fostering collaborations that harness AI’s capabilities while ensuring robust human governance. For professionals in the ATS field, embracing AI alongside maintaining rigorous validation processes will be crucial in advancing healthcare innovations responsibly and effectively.

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