The Health Information and Quality Authority is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the contract to host the 2010 Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi) Conference in Dublin by Health Technology Assessment International. 

Dublin will be the site for the 2010 Annual Conference and Scientific Sessions, to be held June 6-9, at the RDS International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Dr Máirín Ryan, Director for Health Technology Assessment at the Health Information and Quality Authority stated: "This is an important opportunity for Ireland to bring together key health care researchers, clinicians, policy makers, administrators and industry representatives to share knowledge and advance the field of HTA. The 2010 conference promises important debates, action orientated panel discussions and world class presentations on the latest developments, applications and technologies in the various health technology fields.

"Hosting the HTAi Annual Meeting will provide the ideal opportunity for Irish HTA researchers and decision makers to network with international colleagues and to share expertise and experience, in particular, the Authority will draw on the lessons learned from implementing a new HTA programme in a small country." added Dr Ryan.

Announcing the awarding of the contract to host the conference to the Health Information and Quality Authority, the Secretariat of Health Technology Assessment International said: "The decision by the Board comes after a detailed review of proposals submitted to the Society's Annual Meeting Committee, chaired by Dr. Wija Oortwijn. Congratulations to Dr. Máirín Ryan, Director of Health Technology Assessment, and the staff of the Health Information and Quality Authority for preparing a complete and comprehensive proposal.”

The Conference organising committee anticipates that the 2010 conference will be well attended, given international interest in the developments in HTA in Ireland and the attractiveness of Dublin as a conference venue. It is anticipated that over 1500 delegates will attend this meeting and scientific sessions from countries all over the world.

Ends.

Further Information: 

Marty Whelan, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

01 8047651 / 086 2447623 mwhelan@hiqa.ie

Notes to the Editor: 

The Health Information and Quality Authority, in setting up Ireland's first Health Technology Assessment function, is responsible for making sure that the resources in our health services are used in a way that ensures the best outcome for the patient or service user.

This is done by assessing the clinical and cost effectiveness of the medicines, devices, diagnostics, procedures, care pathways and health promotion used across our health system. These assessments include the evaluation of social and ethical issues, quality of life and quality of end of life and cost effectiveness in relation to Health Technology.

The outcomes of these assessments support the making of informed decisions on the desirability and effectiveness of investing in new therapies, drugs, equipment or health promotion activities.