A forum session presented at the ISPOR 2026 Annual Meeting examined the growing importance of health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) in informing C-suite decision-making within health care organizations.

The role of HEOR leaders is evolving from generating evidence to translating complex value data into compelling, business-relevant narratives for executive leadership and external stakeholders. To be effective, HEOR professionals must align their communications with executive priorities, including financial performance, strategic advantage, and shareholder value creation.

The ISPOR Partnership Group serves as a strategic platform that brings together organizations from industry and health policy to collaborate with ISPOR in advancing health care decision-making. Consistent with ISPOR's 2026 theme, HEOR at the Forefront of Policy, Access and Value, the Partnership Group's discussions highlighted the increasing relevance of HEOR to organizational strategy.

C-suite executives oversee a range of priorities that vary according to their roles:

HEOR is uniquely positioned to address many of these executive priorities. Identifying organizational needs and generating evidence to inform decision-making are central to the HEOR function. By developing clear value narratives and tailoring communications to specific executive audiences, HEOR professionals can support strategic decision-making while addressing both current and future organizational objectives.

In addition, HEOR can provide guidance on areas in which investment may not be warranted, considering market dynamics, competitive positioning at both the brand and enterprise levels, and changes in local and global health care policy.
Ultimately, HEOR can contribute to organizational growth by demonstrating its value to executive leadership and establishing itself as a critical driver of business performance and strategic decision-making.

Reference
Blanchette CM, Cahill JR, Bramley T, et al. The Business of Evidence: HEOR for C-Suite Decision Making. Presented at: ISPOR 2026 Annual Meeting; May 17-20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA.