ISPOR CEO Rob Abbott Advocates for HEOR in Global Healthcare Decision Making

By Staff Writer

November 9, 2023

Understanding the Importance and Scope of HEOR in Today’s Healthcare Landscape

The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) is a global non-profit organisation. It promotes the use of health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) in medical care decision-making. Recently, CEO Rob Abbott discussed the organisation’s objective, the importance of HEOR, and the future of healthcare. 

ISPOR’s membership is comprised of individuals from academia, industry, patient groups, and payers. These individuals come from 110 different countries. This organisation’s work would not be possible without its broad membership. This guides debates and conversations by offering a variety of perspectives.

 Abbott stressed the crucial role of HEOR in today’s world, particularly in overburdened healthcare systems. HEOR offers valuable data and insights, aiding tough decisions in the healthcare sector. It helps achieve superior results at lower costs.

In addition, Abbott clarified the differences between HEOR and health technology assessment (HTA). Compared to HEOR, which includes a wider field of research and incorporates notions such as real-world evidence, real-world data, and patient participation, HTA primarily concentrates on the effectiveness of a particular technology.

The CEO also discussed the potential and difficulties that will exist in the healthcare industry in the year 2030. Some of these problems and opportunities include the concept of whole health, as well as affordability and sustainability. He stressed the significance of scientific rigor and evidence in the process of guiding decisions and policies pertaining to healthcare.

ISPOR’s Role in Emerging Markets and the Incorporation of Patient Perspectives in Healthcare

The function of ISPOR in developing markets was on the table. These markets are experiencing an acute shortage of practicable health economic models. ISPOR has regional chapters in over one hundred countries. The majority of which are either economies in transition or countries with low or middle incomes. The organisation is providing substantial assistance in the form of active support for the development of HEOR capacity and its use in these regions.

Lastly, Abbott discussed the significance of incorporating the viewpoints and preferences of patients into the decision-making processes that take place inside the healthcare system. ISPOR has long been dedicated to achieving this objective. In order to ensure that the patient voice is heard, the organisation has formed patient roundtables and a special interest group.

Global Healthcare Decision Making

Abbott concluded his speech by emphasising ISPOR’s dedication to incorporating HEOR into decision-making. Their goal is to improve health outcomes at a more affordable cost. He invited anyone interested in HEOR or enhancing the accessibility, equity, and impact of healthcare systems on patients, to join ISPOR. 

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