Session (CTI)

This Value in Health Forum features a live debate between Mark Sculpher and Darius Lakdawalla on a key issue arising from the 2026 Health Economics Methods Advisory (HEMA) report: how should the benefits of healthcare be measured and valued in the economic evidence used to inform health technology assessment decisions? While there has been much discussion at previous ISPOR meetings about practical ways of extending the elements of value included in value assessment, this debate directly tackles the deeper issue that sit at the heart of these methods choices. What is the appropriate normative or conceptual framework for economic evaluation used in health technology assessment? And given the fundamental differences between competing approaches, who should decide what “value” means in a healthcare system? Devlin will introduce the session on behalf of Value in Health, including some reflections on the role of value judgements in HEOR science. McGuire will introduce the speakers and moderate the debate. Lakdawalla will argue that methods should be driven by the principles of welfare economics, based on measured individual preferences. Sculpher will argue that, over many years, welfare economics has adapted to key features of collectively funded health systems and normative choices need to be taken by accountable policy makers—not economists. McGuire will discuss these contrasting positions, indicating areas for compromise and new research. This session will feature a Q&A and audience participation is welcomed.