Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
EFCCA’s commitment to bridging patient needs and policy expectations
Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a cornerstone initiative for EFCCA, designed to bridge the gap between the real needs of patients and the expectations of regulatory authorities. By fostering a more structured and informed approach to EFCCA’s contributions, this initiative enhances the impact of patient participation in the evaluation of medicines and medical devices. The aim is to promote a more inclusive HTA process while encouraging innovation and research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
The primary objective of the initiative is to optimise the role of patient associations in the HTA process and ensure their input aligns with European regulators' expectations. Many recommendations and best practices derived from this effort are applicable at both European and national levels. Moreover, the initiative’s benefits extend beyond EFCCA, positively impacting other patient associations and the broader healthcare system.
The Guidebook on Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
As part of this initiative, EFCCA launched the Guidebook on Health Technology Assessment (HTA), a comprehensive resource developed to support and empower the patient community. The guidebook represents months of dialogue with regulators and evaluators and comes at a pivotal time when patient perspectives are increasingly influencing healthcare decision-making. HTA plays a critical role in evaluating medical treatments, from assessing their safety and effectiveness to determining their cost-effectiveness.
Recent HTA-driven decisions have significantly affected patients' access to new treatments and care options. Recognising this, EFCCA has taken proactive steps to ensure that the voices of patients with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are heard. The guidebook simplifies HTA processes and terminology, equipping patients with the knowledge and tools needed to engage in healthcare decision-making actively. By understanding the evidence and criteria involved in HTA, patients can effectively share their perspectives and advocate for decisions that reflect their needs and values.
EFCCA’s launch of the guidebook underscores its commitment to a more inclusive, patient-centred approach to HTA. This initiative seeks to drive meaningful changes and better outcomes for IBD patients across Europe and beyond.
Presentation during UEG Week
On 12 October 2024, EFCCA hosted a conference during UEG Week in Vienna, titled: "How Can Patients Play a Crucial Role in Medicines-Related Decision-Making? An Open Dialogue with Stakeholders and the Presentation of the EFCCA HTA Guidebook."
EFCCA’s Coordinator of Innovation and Patient Engagement, Roberto Saldaña, introduced the HTA Guidebook as a key tool to empower patients in healthcare decision-making, particularly regarding drug approvals. The guidebook is part of EFCCA’s DIVA strategy and aims to demystify HTA processes, terminology, and evidence requirements, enabling patients to contribute their unique perspectives effectively.
The conference featured contributions from EFCCA Chairperson Salvatore Leone, EFCCA CEO Luisa Avedano, and expert committee representatives such as Néboa Zozaya from the WEBER Foundation. Renowned clinicians, including Prof. Fernando Magro (President-Elect of ECCO) and Dr. Yago González Lama (Head of the Gastroenterology Section and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit at Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre), also shared their insights. Panel discussions highlighted the importance of placing patients at the centre of HTA regulations, emphasising their critical role in shaping the future of healthcare technology.
Final Report on the Consultation Process
EFCCA is pleased to share the final report from the HTA consultation process, which involved stakeholders and experts across two rounds of webinars. The initiative focused on optimising the participation of patient associations in the HTA process and aligning their input with European regulators' expectations. This collaborative effort reflects EFCCA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that patient voices are integral to healthcare policy and decision-making.
Read and download the full report here