The HTAi 2024 Annual Meeting was held in Seville, Spain, June 15-19, 2024. Over 1,000 delegates from more than 60 countries attended the 5-day event, both in-person and virtually. The event included two days of pre-conference workshops and three days of the conference presentations.
Thank You
Thank you to all of our Annual Meeting delegates who joined us for all five days of incredible presentations and energetic collaboration. Your participation is what makes the HTAi Annual Meeting a hallmark event in the global HTA community!
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of the spectacular Annual Meeting Speakers, whose insight and expertise sparked conversations and ideas throughout the conference. These ideas and conversations are integral to shaping the future of HTA around the world!
A special thank-you goes to all of the 2024 Annual Meeting volunteers and local organizing groups, whose dedication helps make the Annual Meeting such a fantastic event. Between reviewing abstract submissions, bridging connections, and providing on-site assistance, Annual Meeting volunteers put countless hours into supporting the Annual Meeting behind the scenes.
And finally, thank you to all of our Annual Meeting Sponsors. A conference of this magnitude would not be possible without your steadfast support, and HTAi is grateful to have worked with you throughout the past year.
Pre-conference Events
Workshops
Pre-conference Workshops marked the beginning of the 2024 Annual Meeting, with a diverse array of topics aimed at advancing knowledge and skills in Health Technology Assessment (HTA).
Throughout the weekend, attendees engaged in a series of Workshops covering various aspects of HTA, from foundational concepts to cutting-edge methodologies. The sessions were led by esteemed presenters who shared their expertise and insights on topics such as:
- HTA 101: Essential concepts and current trends in Health Technology Assessment.
- Patient roles in HTA beyond traditional involvement, exploring innovative contributions.
- Alternative metrics for quantifying the societal burden of diseases in HTA evaluations.
- Assessing the broader impact of HTA on sustainable health systems.
- Holistic approaches to evaluating Artificial Intelligence in healthcare.
- Lifecycle approaches to HTA, addressing uncertainties and implementation challenges.
- Using real-world data and advanced statistical methods in HTA.
- Early HTA methodologies to guide healthcare innovation and stakeholder engagement.
The Workshops provided valuable opportunities for learning, discussion, and networking among participants from diverse backgrounds including HTA professionals, researchers, industry representatives, and policymakers.
Looking ahead, we anticipate further enriching discussions and insights in tomorrow’s sessions, continuing to explore the forefront of HTA practices and innovations.
Thank you to all participants and presenters for contributing to a productive and engaging first day of our Annual Meeting!
Early Career Meet & Greet
Prior to the start of the Welcome Reception, emerging HTA professionals were invited to a the 2nd Annual Early Career Meet & Greet to get to know the HTAi Board of Directors and other established HTA professionals. Attendees played icebreaker games and spent time building the connections that become the foundation of Annual Meeting collaborations.
Main Conference Events
Opening Ceremony and Keynote Address
The morning began with a warm welcome from the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) featuring Gonzalo Balbontín Casillas, Dr. Juan Antonio Blasco, Dr. César Hernández, and Dr. Isaac Túnez, all from Spain. This was followed by opening addresses from prominent health officials:
- Mónica García Gómez, from the Spanish Ministry of Health, who highlighted Spain’s ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare.
- Catalina García Carrasco, Regional Minister of Health and Consumer Affairs of Andalusia, who emphasized the region’s initiatives in improving public health and consumer safety.
- Jose Antonio Valverde Albacete, from the European Commi ssion, who discussed the European Union’s role in supporting health technology and innovation.
HTAi and ISPC Welcomes:
- Dr. Rabia Sucu, President of HTAi, welcomed attendees on behalf of HTAi, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in health technology assessment.
- The ISPC Co-Chairs, Dr. Laura Sampietro-Colom, Dr. Iñaki Gutiérrez-Ibarluzea, and Dr. Adriana Robayo, also extended their greetings, setting the tone for the day‘s
- discussions with a focus on innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
A highlight of the morning was the keynote address by Dr. Rifat Atun, Professor of Global Health Systems and Director of the Health Systems Innovation Lab at Harvard University. Dr. Atun shared his extensive expertise on health system performance and transformation, touching on his global research and advisory roles. He emphasized the critical need for innovation in health systems to meet current and future challenges, referencing his numerous publications and advisory roles with global health organizations. Dr. Atun’s presentation provided deep insights into how health systems can evolve to better meet the needs of populations while maintaining sustainability and resilience.
Plenary One
The first plenary session delved into the theme of sustainability within health systems, particularly focusing on the role of Health Technology Assessment (HTA). The discussion was rich and interactive, exploring:
- The broader concept of sustainability and HTA’s role in aligning innovations with long-term health system viability.
- The challenges faced by health systems, including the integration of new technologies, the shortage of skilled evaluators, and the impact of diverse ethical contexts.
- Insights into how HTA can maintain its own sustainability amidst increasing demands.
Panelists and audience members engaged in a lively debate, sharing diverse perspectives on ensuring health systems’ resilience and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The session highlighted the necessity for robust HTA processes to evaluate and implement health innovations effectively, ensuring they contribute positively to health system sustainability.
Brain Dates and Networking
The HTAi 2024 Annual Meeting integrated several networking opportunities throughout the Main Conference. Braindates, a new feature to the Annual Meeting, provided attendees with the opportunity to participate in networking breaks throughout the day. These sessions facilitated one-on-one and small group discussions, enabling participants to connect, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations. The informal setting encouraged open dialogue and the exchange of innovative ideas, further enhancing the value of the meeting.
Plenary Two
A distinguished panel, including Dr. Roisin Adams, Ms. Mouna Jameleddine-Chtioui, Dr. John Lavis, Dr. Prof Joseph L Mathew, and Dr. Med Alric Ruether, engaged in a stimulating discussion on the role of global networks in health technology assessment. Key topics included:
- The capacity of international networks to address HTA challenges and their impact on stakeholders.
- How networks can promote sustainability and innovation in regions with less established HTA frameworks.
- The feasibility and potential benefits of global “Meta-Networks.”
The plenary underscored the significant influence of interconnected networks on HTA processes, fostering global collaboration, improving decision-making, and enhancing healthcare delivery.
HTAi AGM
The day began with the eagerly anticipated Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Members. Attendees delved into key organizational updates and future plans, reviewed the past year’s achievements, examined financial reports, and voted on critical resolutions. The AGM provided a transparent platform for members to voice their opinions, ask questions, and actively participate in shaping the organization’s direction. The Board of Directors introduced new initiatives aimed at enhancing member engagement and expanding the organization’s societal impact.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Board members, Americo Cicchetti and Jo Carol Hiatt, for their dedicated service and invaluable contributions. Their leadership has been instrumental in guiding our organization to new heights. We are also thrilled to welcome our new Board members, David Elvira-Martinez as Treasurer and Anke-Peggy Holtorf as Secretary, and look forward to their leadership and fresh perspectives.
Plenary Three
Plenary 3 was a thought-provoking session on the role of innovation in healthcare. Esteemed speakers, including Prof. Annette Braunack-Mayer, Mr. Diego Fernando Gil Cardozo, Dr. Miguel Hernan, Anais Gonzalez Iglesias, and Prof. Quentin Pankhurst, explored the multifaceted nature of healthcare innovation. Key topics included:
- The integration of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and other advanced methodologies to enhance patient outcomes and increase efficiency.
- Challenges posed by new technologies and their impact on health systems, stakeholders, and decision-makers.
- The readiness of healthcare systems to embrace innovation and the suitability of traditional assessment methods for emerging technologies.
- Ethical and societal considerations in the evaluation of innovation value.
The session emphasized the importance of adapting current frameworks to better assess and integrate these advancements into healthcare.
Closing ceremony
HTAi President, Dr. Rabia Sucu, reflected on the meeting’s accomplishments, the importance of collaborative efforts in health technology assessment, and future directions for HTAi. Her speech celebrated collective achievements and set an inspiring tone for continued innovation and cooperation within the community.
Juan Antonio Blasco from Spain and Andres Pichon Riviere from Argentina previewed the HTAi 2025 Annual Meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, promising an enriching experience in a vibrant location.
Dr. Rabia Sucu, highlighted future directions, ongoing initiatives, and strategic visions for HTAi, providing a roadmap for members to engage with and contribute to the future of HTA.
A heartfelt presentation featured photos capturing memorable moments from the event, celebrating the community’s shared experiences, learning, and networking, leaving attendees with lasting memories.
Awards
HTAi Awards recognize and celebrate excellence in HTA. We are delighted to extend our congratulations to all the outstanding award recipients celebrated at the HTAi Annual Meeting.
International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care (IJTAHC) Awards:
- Egon Jonsson Award: Ferrante di Ruffano L, Harris IM, Zhelev Z, Davenport C, Mallett S, Peters J, Takwoingi Y, Deeks J, Hyde C (2023). Health technology assessment of diagnostic tests: a state of the art review of methods guidance from international organizations. International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care, 39(1), e14, 1–13.
- Best Reviewer Award: Presented to Durhane Wong-Reiger for her exceptional peer review work.
- Special Recognition of Editorial Board Members: Ken Bond, Clifford Goodman
Sigrid Droste Ethics Award: Presented to Lars Sandman for his exemplary work in ethics within health technology assessment.
HTAi Educational Scholarship Award: Presented by Ann Single, recognizing individuals demonstrating outstanding potential and dedication to HTA through their educational endeavors.
- 2024 Winners: Emad Almomani and Pempa Pempa.
- 2023 Winners: Erni Zurina Romli, Rodrigue NDABASHINZE, and Muday Beneberu.
HTAi Annual Meeting Presentation Awards:
- Best Oral Presentation: Awarded to Joan Segur-Ferrer for showcasing innovative research and findings in HTA.
- Best Student Oral Presentation: Awarded to Dina Abushanab for her significant contributions as a student in the HTA field.
- Best Poster: Awarded to Schezn Lim for her visually engaging and informative poster presentation.
- Best Student Poster Award: Presented by Iñaki Gutiérrez-Ibarluzea, Dr. Adriana Robayo, and Dr. Laura Sampietro-Colom to Anna Kearney for her remarkable research poster.
HTAi 2025 Annual Meeting
Already looking forward to the next HTAi Annual Meeting? If so, we have some good news! The next Annual Meeting will take place June 14-18, 2025 in the incredible city of Buenos Aires— mark your calendars and save the date!
The meeting will discuss topics related to the central theme, NextGen Evidence: Diversifying and Advancing HTA to Meet Global Demands. Read more on the theme here.
