Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: HTA is a multidisciplinary process that benefits from the inclusion of diverse stakeholder perspectives. Integrating patient viewpoints is essential to reflect the values and needs of users. However, the systematic inclusion of these perspectives remains a challenge in South America. The objective is to identify, describe, and analyze the most developed mechanisms of patient and public participation in HTA, highlighting best practices, challenges, and opportunities for strengthening inclusive and transparent decision-making.
METHODS: A review of the official websites of MoH and HTA institutions across South America, as well as RedETSA, was conducted in May 2025. Documents addressing public and patient participation in HTA were identified and analyzed.
RESULTS: The most developed experiences in the region were identified in:

• Argentina: CONETEC has established a Patient Forum as a formal consultative body. This space facilitates the participation, enabling patients to share experiences. These contributions are considered alongside scientific evidence in the decision-making process.
• Brazil: Conitec has institutionalized several mechanisms for public engagement. These include open public consultations with qualitative analysis of submitted contributions, the active involvement of patients in evaluation committees, and the consistent use of plain language in all HTA reports. Public participation is not only encouraged but also legally mandated, and the commission receives a high volume of citizen input.
• Chile: The HTA Department of the MoH has implemented participatory strategies such as the inclusion of patient testimonies, qualitative interviews, and deliberative workshops. A participatory approach is adopted from the early stages of the HTA process.

CONCLUSIONS: South America has made progress in recognizing the value of social participation in HTA. While mechanisms such as testimonies and consultations are in place, challenges remain, including the need for capacity-building and accessible communication. The experiences of Argentina, Brazil, and Chile demonstrate the importance of strengthening and systematizing participation to support equitable, patient-centered healthcare decisions.