Landscape Review of Patient Engagement in the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Process in Latin America

Author(s)

Alejandra Murillo, MPH1, Sahar Alam, MPH2;
1Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA, 2ISPOR, Lawrence Township, NJ, USA
OBJECTIVES: Health technology assessments (HTAs) evaluate evidence needed to allocate resources within a healthcare system, and patients provide an invaluable perspective in the process as end-users. However, many Latin American countries lack formalized mechanisms to incorporate patients throughout the evaluation process. This study aims to evaluate patient engagement in HTAs across seven countries in Latin America and assess their organizational readiness for change.
METHODS: The study analyzed survey data from 18 participants representing ISPOR's Patient Representatives Roundtable in Latin America. Respondents represented Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru. The data captured respondent characteristics and information about their HTA process. The responses determined readiness levels using an adapted organizational readiness framework, assessing each country's commitment to establishing systems that allow patients to actively engage in the HTA process.
RESULTS: Countries varied in their readiness to engage patients in the HTA process. Argentina and Chile were at the "Implementation" stage, with formalized but limited involvement. Colombia and Peru were in the "Initiation" stage, taking steps to formalize processes. Costa Rica and Mexico showed "Awareness" of the value of patient involvement without plans to implement it. Guatemala demonstrated "No Change Valence," or no perceived value in patient involvement. Common barriers included insufficient training, lack of transparency in the HTA process, and resource constraints.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights gaps in patient involvement in HTAs across Latin America and shows that understanding organizational readiness can help countries identify opportunities to implement effective strategies for change. Creating tailored approaches based on each country’s context is essential for success. Recommendations based on the analysis include training programs, resource investments, and structural reforms that promote sustainable and inclusive HTA processes that improve equity and health outcomes.

Conference/Value in Health Info

2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA

Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1

Code

PCR2

Topic

Patient-Centered Research

Topic Subcategory

Patient Engagement

Disease

No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas

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