The HTAi2025 plenary session in Buenos Aires ignited discussions on the evolving function of Health Technology Assessment (HTA), emphasizing its potential to actively shape health systems beyond traditional roles. Over 800 experts convened to explore whether HTA should merely guide resource allocation or also influence the structural dynamics of healthcare delivery.
Rethinking HTA’s Traditional Boundaries
Dr. Andrés Pichon Riviere, director general of IECS, initiated the dialogue by highlighting shortcomings in current healthcare systems, even in affluent nations. He argued that HTA’s focus on evaluating new technologies may overlook critical areas like disease prevention and mental health management. Dr. Pichon Riviere suggested a pivot towards enhancing the implementation of proven interventions to drive meaningful system-wide improvements.
Adapting to Technological Advancements
Dr. Wija Oortwijn emphasized the necessity for HTA to evolve alongside technological innovations such as digital health and artificial intelligence. She stressed that while expanding HTA’s scope is important, maintaining its core objective of informing decision-making through robust evidence remains paramount.
Saudamini Dabak from Thailand’s HITAP underscored the need for HTA to be flexible and responsive to global trends like precision medicine and Big Data. She advocated for methodological advancements and strategic planning to effectively integrate these technologies into healthcare systems.
Anna Vassall of the WHO highlighted the ethical responsibility of HTA in resource allocation, especially in low-income countries. She pointed out that HTA serves as a crucial framework for prioritizing interventions that can save millions of lives, indicating that significant progress has already been achieved in this area.
Dr. Máirin Ryan from Ireland’s HIQA emphasized HTA’s unique position as an independent evaluator. She called for a broader consideration of factors such as organizational impact, patient priorities, and ethical implications to enhance the relevance and effectiveness of HTA outcomes.
Christoph Glaetzer of Johnson & Johnson criticized outdated HTA methodologies that may not adequately assess modern treatment options. He advocated for updating evaluation criteria to better reflect current medical advancements and patient outcomes, ensuring that HTA remains relevant and accurate.
- HTA must integrate digital health and AI to remain relevant.
- Implementing proven interventions could address systemic healthcare deficiencies.
- Ethical considerations are crucial for equitable healthcare solutions.
- Updating evaluation methodologies is necessary to assess new treatments effectively.
HTA is at a pivotal juncture, with leaders calling for a more dynamic and integrative approach to its application in healthcare systems. By expanding its role to include strategic system improvements and embracing technological advancements, HTA can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. This proactive stance ensures that HTA not only allocates resources wisely but also drives comprehensive health system reforms that respond to the evolving needs of populations worldwide.
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