Summary of ISPOR Thailand Chapter First Annual Meeting (15 September 2006)

Participants:

1. Dr.Vithaya Kulsomboon
2. Dr.Surachat Ngorsuraches
3. Dr.Yot Teerawattananon
4. Dr.Unchalee Permsuwan
5. Dr.Nattiya Kapol
6. Miss Worasuda Yoongthong
7. Dr.Usa Chaikledkaew
8. Dr.Isaya Sukarom
9. Dr.Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk
10. Mr.Surasit Lochidamnuay
11. Dr.Araya Sripairoj
12. Miss Kednapa Thavorn

Time: started 4.30 PM, ended 5.45 PM.

TOPICS
1. Roadmaps discussion

1. Standardization of methodology (IHPP). Currently, we are writing a proposal to request funding from HSRI (drafted by Dr.Usa: MU)
   Target goal: By 2007 the standard method should be developed and Implemented
   Priority level: Highest

2. Database of CEA studies (By Dr.Pagamas, SU)
   i. Goal is to disseminate information to PTC in each hospital to be able to access to articles
   ii. This study is not only to identify studies but also to assess the quality of the studies. The timeline is 5 years for this project.
   Target goal: By 2007 the standard method should be developed and implemented
   Priority level: High

3. Educating policy makers and researchers (Capacity building should be a role of ISPOR Thailand)
   i. Policy makers: e.g. newsletter, we have to develop strategies to indirectly educate them. Dr.Vithaya suggested that the formal education might not be needed and appropriate. How about PTC’s group? How should they be educated? FDA and Dr.Pisont have done a kind of educational activities to policy makers and the training seems to be quite successful.
   Plan: Dr.Pisont and Worasuda will work on this.
   
   ii. Researchers/ Users
   1. We need training. It’s a good source of fund raising
   Plan: Drs.Surachat/Usa/Araya/Nathorn are responsible for planning.
   Attendence: MD, Pharmacists
   Announcement: 2 months would be sufficient
   Dr.Surachat will draft idea (topic, trainings, tentative schedule) for the training.
   
   iii. Maybe, we should have annual academic meeting to pool all interested parties to be involved.
   Plan: Tentative schedule :
   Semi-annual meeting May 2007
   Audience: academicians
   Contents: presentation of research findings
   Keep up new methodological advance Announcement: More than 2 months in advance
   Annual meeting Sept 2007
   Dr.Vithaya is responsible for planning

4. Educating public (Dr.Vithaya was assigned to develop a plan)

5. Identification of research topics in pharmacoeconomics
   i. Dr.Yot suggested that we should set a team (we have already been offered grants from NHSO, HSRI, Thai Health Promotion Foundation) to conduct this kind of research. If ISPOR is interested in oversee the project together, we can allocate the topics and fundings to the team to work on research together.
   ii. FDA has already identified drugs requiring “CEA” studies. The questions will be set up in advance. In addition, a group of experts in this filed will be formed as a team to 1) “evaluate” studies and to 2) “conduct” studies. The studies should have information not only in terms of CEA but also in affordability issue.

6. Methodology advancement issue
   1. Should we try to weigh equity in economic evaluation findings?
   Dr.Yot will continue working on this issue.

2. Linkage of IHPP and graduate program. IHPP has offered opportunities for any individuals (students and professors) interested in Pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research.

3. Acitivities by ISPOR:
   a. Dr.Surachat will keep the executive committee of ISPOR Asia Consortium posted on the activities today via e-mailing to Zandra Yin.
   b. Dr.Nattiya will make a member list and summarize the evaluation of the meeting.
   c. Drs.Isaya and Unchalee will summarize the meeting and keep all posted

4. Things to be posted on the web
   a. Slides of all speakers
   b. Summary of the meeting (from Dr.Isaya and Unchalee)
   c. Pictures
   d. Member list and the suggestions received from the participants

5. Plan for next meeting
   a. Should be within the next 2 months