Optimal Strategies for Predicting and Consolidating PICOs: One Best Method or a Blended Approach?

ISSUE: The PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) framework, essential for structuring clinical research questions in systematic literature reviews (SLRs), plays a central role in the EU Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA) under the EU Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Regulation. However, scoping PICOs in this context is complex, as it requires incorporating input from all 27 Member States, leading to numerous PICOs, and an overwhelming amount of literature to review. This resource-intensive process highlights the challenge of predicting and consolidating PICOs reflecting both shared and local priorities. To address these challenges, alternative approaches including country surveys and AI-driven PICO prediction using retrospective HTA and clinical data are being explored. While SLRs remain foundational, they often lack efficiency. This has sparked debate over whether one optimal method or a combination of tools tailored by therapeutic area or timing is more effective. The goal is to streamline evidence gathering, reduce duplication, and support coordinated decision-making across Member States within the evolving EU HTA framework. OVERVIEW: This panel addresses the challenges of PICO prediction within the EU-level JCA framework. Dr. Vo will provide a 5-minute overview of the issue, followed by three panelists representing an HTA country, academia, and industry, each sharing their perspectives (5 minutes each) on the importance and approach to tackling the PICO prediction dilemma. The debate (21 minutes) will be guided by three key questions (5 minutes each). Interactive polling will capture audience viewpoints. Panelists will explore three methods to streamline PICO development: SLRs (offer evidence-based structure but are time-consuming); country surveys (bring national specificity but may lack standardization); and AI tools enhanced with expert input (promise speed and efficiency but require reliable data). The discussion will weigh the strengths and limitations of each, offering insights for JCA subgroups, HTA decision-makers, and other stakeholders seeking to optimize PICO formulation across diverse healthcare systems.