ISSUE: The volume of health technology assessments (HTAs) is expanding dramatically, driven by increasing numbers of multi-indication therapies and pressure to minimise delays between regulatory approvals and HTA recommendations. There are signs that HTA bodies are consequently struggling to conduct appraisals in a timely manner, placing patients at risk of 'procedural' delays to access, which may be a difficult pill to swallow. The reality is that HTA bodies have finite capacity and must maintain rigorous processes. However, it can also be argued that there is potential to alleviate capacity issues by reducing duplication, repetition and waste within individual HTA processes and across the global HTA system. In this context, should we accept 'procedural' delays in patient access as an inevitability of the HTA system or must we look more critically at whether stakeholders are doing all they can to address capacity concerns?

OVERVIEW: Matt Griffiths will present the issue, moderating discussion and challenging panellists to debate the extent to which capacity-borne delays are avoidable and how this can be achieved. Eric Low will provide insight into the real-world impact of HTA capacity issues on patients and present his views on the roles of different stakeholders in avoiding 'procedural' delays to patient access. Michael Drummond will present a critical view on whether we have the correct balance between ensuring robust, locally-relevant HTA and avoiding unnecessarily delayed access. Lesley Tilson will argue that HTA bodies have already made adaptations in response to the rising challenge to HTA capacity and provide her perspective on the benefits and risks of further streamlining appraisal processes and methods. Following presentations, audience members will be presented with the proposals for how different stakeholders could address the issue and asked to vote on what is most achievable. The floor will then be opened for discussion and audience suggestions.