Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Health Economics and Outcomes Research: Methods, applications, and policy implications

Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) stands at a critical juncture as artificial intelligence (AI) technologies rapidly transform healthcare delivery, decision-making, and resource allocation [1, 2]. Traditional HEOR methodologies—while robust—are increasingly challenged by the volume, velocity, and variety of healthcare data now available. AI offers unprecedented opportunities to support evidence synthesis, enable more robust outcomes research, enhance analytical capabilities, health economic and predictive modelling, and generate novel insights from complex healthcare datasets [2–4]. Yet, the integration of AI into HEOR also raises methodological, regulatory, and ethical questions that require critical examination [2, 4, 5].

This Article Collection aims to bring together methodological innovations, practical applications, and policy considerations for the effective integration of AI into HEOR. This will help establish best practices, ultimately contributing to more efficient and equitable evidence-based healthcare systems. This Collection would serve as a foundational resource for researchers, policymakers, healthcare providers, industry stakeholders, and patient representatives navigating the opportunities and difficulties of the integration of AI into HEOR.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

Guest Adviser

Dr Tamas Agh

Tamás Ágh is Research Associate Professor at the Center for Health Technology Assessment and Pharmacoeconomic Research at the University of Pécs, Director of Strategy at the Syreon Research Institute, and a practicing general practitioner (Hungary).
Dr Ágh has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and several book chapters. He has led and contributed to numerous international research consortia, such as working groups of ISPOR (International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research), ERS (European Respiratory Society), and ESPACOMP (International Society for Medication Adherence). He currently serves as Chair of ESPACOMP and was Chair of the ISPOR Medication Adherence and Persistence Special Interest Group in 2023–2024. His expertise is further recognized through his roles on the editorial boards of international scientific journals, including Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research and PharmacoEconomics.
With over 15 years of experience in health economics and outcomes research (HEOR), his work focuses on health technology assessment (HTA), medication adherence, and patient-reported outcomes, and data science in healthcare research. His research aims to support evidence generation, improve outcomes, promote health system sustainability, and advance patient-centred care.

Junior Guest Adviser

Dr Lieke Maas

Lieke Maas is a postdoctoral researcher in health economics at the Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI) of Maastricht University (The Netherlands), an Early Career Panel Member of the Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research editorial board, and a Board Member of Health Policy and Technology.

Dr Maas is experienced in both model-based and trial-based economic evaluations, with additional expertise in artificial intelligence, quantitative methodologies, and patient perspectives within health economic research. Her work focuses on the application of artificial intelligence and quantitative methodologies in health economic modelling, aiming to enhance the precision, transparency, and real-world relevance of health economics and outcomes research (HEOR).

The aim of her research is to advance HEOR methods and evidence generation to support decision-making, improve patient outcomes, and promote value-based, sustainable healthcare systems.