Reflections on the September 2024 Workshop at MGH Institute for Technology Assessment, Harvard Medical School
By Turgay Ayer, PhD
Introduction
In the first part of this series, we explored the transformative power of generative AI in Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) and Market Access (MA), highlighting practical applications and demonstrations from our recent workshop at Harvard. Now, let’s dive deeper into the advanced AI skills discussed, the challenges identified, and the key takeaways that point toward the future of AI in our field.
Interactive Brainstorming and Challenges
Attendees engaged directly with AI by working in groups to identify potential challenges in integrating AI into their workflows. This interactive session allowed participants to brainstorm innovative use cases, identify obstacles in the implementation of generative AI solutions, and recognize the need for human oversight. The collaborative environment fostered knowledge sharing among professionals from different backgrounds, enhancing the collective understanding of AI’s role in HEOR and MA.
Participants noted several challenges, including data privacy concerns, the need for specialized training to effectively use AI tools, and the importance of ensuring data accuracy to prevent errors in AI-generated outputs. The discussions underscored that while AI has immense potential, careful consideration is needed to integrate it responsibly and effectively into existing workflows.
Advanced AI Skills
The second day of the workshop shifted into more technical territory as we delved into advanced AI topics. One of the key discussions centered around prompt engineering and the use of tools and APIs in the context of generative AI.
For those unfamiliar, prompt engineering involves crafting precise and detailed prompts to guide AI models like GPT-4 to produce the desired output. In layman’s terms, it’s about asking the AI the right questions in the right way to get meaningful and accurate responses. We have witnessed that the quality of the AI’s responses is highly sensitive to how accurately and thoroughly the prompts are formulated. Learning to create effective prompts requires a time investment, as it significantly influences the usefulness and relevance of the AI’s output.
Along with Baris Deniz, we also explored the use of tools and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), which allow users to interact with AI models programmatically. Utilizing APIs can significantly enhance HEOR capabilities by enabling automation of tasks, integration of AI functionalities into existing workflows, and efficient processing of large datasets. However, leveraging these tools typically requires programming skills and technical expertise, which might be unrealistic to expect from most professionals in the HEOR and MA fields.
This highlights the need for industry-specific platforms like ValueGen.AI that abstract the technical complexities while providing powerful AI capabilities tailored to HEOR and Market Access tasks. Such tools empower users to interact with advanced AI models without needing to write code or understand the intricacies of API programming. By providing user-friendly interfaces and domain-specific functionalities, these platforms make it feasible for HEOR and MA professionals to harness the benefits of generative AI effectively.
As I shared these advanced techniques during the workshop, it became clear that while generative AI has evolved significantly, it is still advancing at a rapid pace. In fact, on the second day of the workshop, OpenAI announced the release of GPT-4.1, also known as “Strawberry,” which introduces enhanced reasoning capabilities. This timely development underscored the workshop’s emphasis on staying current with AI advancements. It highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in this fast-paced field, as new tools and models can quickly expand what is possible within HEOR and Market Access.
Looking Forward
I am optimistic that AI, and particularly generative AI, will transform the HEOR and Market Access landscape. My reasoning is grounded in observing how AI is already revolutionizing other industries. For example, companies in the software gaming sector are leveraging AI to develop games from scratch, leading to rapid growth and significant valuations in a short period. This trend signals the immense potential that AI holds for our field as well.
As we stand on the cusp of this technological revolution, it’s crucial to jump in early and be early adopters. Embracing AI now allows us to explore its capabilities, understand its limitations, and integrate it effectively into our workflows. If challenges arise, it’s better to encounter them early when we can adapt more readily. The champions in this space will be those who seize the opportunity promptly and lead the way in innovation.
Call to Action
Looking forward, this workshop reinforced my belief that generative AI will continue to revolutionize the HEOR and Market Access landscape. We are only scratching the surface of what these technologies can do. Whether you’re just beginning your journey with AI or looking to refine your team’s skills, the future is bright.
I encourage you to jump in early and become an early adopter of AI technologies in your field. Embracing these tools now will position you as a leader and innovator, ready to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. If you’re interested in exploring domain-specific solutions, feel free to reach out for a demo of our innovative platform, ValueGen.AI.
Stay tuned for future workshops and advancements as we navigate this exciting era of AI in healthcare. Let’s embrace the transformative power of generative AI together and shape the future of HEOR and Market Access.
Conclusion of Part 2
The journey into generative AI is just beginning for many in the HEOR and MA communities. By embracing these technologies, staying informed about advancements, and integrating AI responsibly into our workflows, we can unlock unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency. The future is promising, and I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and organizations eager to explore the possibilities that generative AI offers.
Thank you for being a part of this exploration into the transformative power of AI in our field. If you have any thoughts or would like to learn more about how generative AI can benefit your work, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
