Introducing HEMA: An International Working Group for Principled Assessment of Novel HTA Methods and Processes

PURPOSE: The last several years have seen an influx of novel health-economic methods, measures, and processes proposed for adoption by health technology assessment (HTA) bodies, including novel value elements, and generalized cost-effectiveness analysis, among others. These have been primarily promoted by the developers as well as, in some cases, special interests funding the promotion. The international Health Economics Methods Advisory (HEMA) was convened by three HTA organizations as an independent working group of research experts tasked with comprehensively assessing the potential benefits and disadvantages of novel approaches as well as their practical implications in an HTA context. Selection of topics and other considerations is based in part on guidance from a multi-stakeholder steering committee comprised of representatives from the patient, payer, and life sciences communities. Participants in this workshop will learn about the structural details of HEMA and opportunities to engage with HEMA’s processes and outputs. DESCRIPTION: Dan Ollendorf (moderator) (10 minutes) will chair the session and describe the origins of HEMA as well as its operating principles, structure, major planned work products, and an early view on the topics the group is addressing and considering for future. Zal Press (10 minutes), a member of the HEMA steering committee, will discuss the importance of the patient voice in discriminating between what might be interesting for HTA to consider and what is truly valuable to patients. Lotte Steuten (10 minutes), a member of the HEMA working group, will discuss working group’s activities with particular emphasis on ensuring both technical rigor and diversity of viewpoint. Nicole Mittmann (10 minutes), who is representing CDA to the HEMA Secretariat, will describe the benefits of HEMA’s approach to the broader HTA community. The remaining time will involve audience-interactive polling and exercises, including opinions on topics to prioritize as well as views on the selected topics of key interest.