This meeting of the Health Economics Association of Ireland (HEAI) will include presentation of novel research, open discussions on health economic and health policy topics, and networking across sectors. Target participants for this event encompass researchers from both academic and government institutions, health policy makers, those from the healthcare industry and patient advocates. It will offer an open forum for all to meet and exchange ideas.
The purpose of this meeting is to renew the HEAI as a research and policy discussion forum and to broaden its access across sectors. The deliberate focus on inclusiveness is a response to a history of poor connection and engagement between sectors in health economics in the past. Closer links will facilitate research that better meets policy maker needs and dialogue between those implementing health policy and those conducting health economics research. The event also seeks the involvement of analysts from the private sector, including those from pharmaceutical, med-tech and related consulting firms. While private sector participation is actively encouraged, this event will be free from private sponsorship, which is essential for maintaining the independence of the forum. Patient and clinician representative bodies will also be invited and warmly welcome.
The meeting outcomes will be disseminated as a brief report of the research presentations and topic discussions. This brief report will comprise high level notes rather than detailed records. This approach to dissemination is deliberate as it is to encourage free and frank discussion and avoid content being presented out of context.