The role of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) professionals is changing rapidly. These two published studies highlight the knowledge and skills required to meet future challenges. In addition to traditional HTA expertise, competencies in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), environmental impacts, real-world data and stakeholder engagement are becoming increasingly important. Together, the studies provide an up-to-date and internationally recognised framework for training, professional development and capacity building within HTA.
The first study, a scoping review and content analysis, examined which competencies for HTA professionals have recently emerged in the literature. Based on nineteen international publications, the researchers found that the existing HTA competency framework remains largely relevant, but that several new areas of expertise require attention. These include organisational sustainability, patient and public engagement, the use of real-world data, the drafting and interpretation of HTA reports, and the identification of relevant stakeholders. In addition, three entirely new competence domains were identified: AI applications within HTA, environmental aspects of health technologies, and performance and professional development.
In a follow-up study, this updated framework was further developed and validated through an international Delphi study involving HTA experts. The result is a broadly applicable competency framework comprising 69 competencies, divided across three levels of expertise: competent, proficient and expert. The participants reached consensus on virtually all competencies and, in particular, endorsed the importance of competencies relating to AI and environmental impacts. The framework thus aligns with current developments in the HTA field and the growing need for specialised expertise.
Taken together, these two studies show that HTA professionals not only need a strong understanding of methodology, but must also be able to respond to technological, societal and environmental developments. The new competence framework provides organisations, training providers and professionals with a practical basis for targeted training, career development and the sustainable strengthening of HTA capacity.
Liza van Mun, Wietske Kievit, Wija Oortwijn. Competencies for health technology assessment professionals: a scoping review and content analysis. Int J Technol Assess Health Care. 2026 May 7;42(1):e54. doi: 10.1017/S0266462326103808
Liza A.M. van Mun, Wietske Kievit, Debjani Mueller, Wija J. Oortwijn. A competence framework for health technology assessment expertise: results from a Delphi Study. Value in Health, available online 30 June 2026.