PURPOSE

: To consider how recently developed guidance for structured expert elicitation in healthcare can be applied across decision-making contexts and discuss some of the challenges faced in using these methods.

DESCRIPTION

: Healthcare decision-makers often rely on input from experts to fill in gaps where there is little or no evidence. A quantitative process to capture experts’ beliefs is structured expert elicitation (SEE). Two of the panelists recently published guidance on how to conduct SEE in healthcare decision-making (HCDM). This focused on national-level HTA but acknowledged the complexities when using SEE outside of this setting, some of which may require modifications to the guidance approach. The guidance is intended to be used by HTA agencies, healthcare commissioners and healthcare funders, both national and local, and deviations from the suggested choices should be justified. There is a recognition, however, that some of the choices may depend on context and the complexities in using SEE in particular settings, for example in orphan drugs or in public health.

The workshop will consider the potential benefits to HTA agencies of adopting the methodological guidance, such as greater transparency and consistency in methods. We will also discuss the barriers to adoption within HTA, such as pressures on time and resources.