Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Under the 2024 Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG), a GBP 400 million Investment Programme commits to strengthening HTA methods and processes across the UK. NICE, the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), the All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC), and the Northern Ireland Department of Health (NIDH) are working to improve assessment efficiency, accelerate adoption of recommendations, and prepare for increased volumes of new medicines. Effective and transparent stakeholder engagement is critical to this work. This study explores stakeholder engagement approaches used by organisations involved in HTA, guideline development and national implementation of evidence-based healthcare across the UK, identifying areas of alignment, variation and opportunities for shared learning.
METHODS: A survey of colleagues from NICE, SMC, AWTTC and NIDH was conducted to explore current approaches to stakeholder engagement across organisations involved in HTA, guideline development and national implementation of evidence-based healthcare throughout the UK. This work was informed by the NHSE and NHS improvement stakeholder analysis framework (2023) and stakeholder theory, including power-interest approaches. Follow-up interviews will supplement survey findings.
RESULTS: Early findings suggest more similarities than differences across organisations. Respondents described stakeholder engagement as helping to identify risks and unintended consequences, maintain legitimacy and trust, ensuring acceptability. Similar stakeholder groups were engaged, including patients, clinicians, methodological experts and policy stakeholders. Differences were mainly seen in the formality of engagement approaches, governance arrangements and how stakeholder influence is communicated. Common challenges included balancing stakeholder input with technical requirements, identifying appropriate stakeholders and resource constraints. Examples of good practice included structured patient involvement, engagement throughout development and formal governance arrangements.
CONCLUSIONS: Stakeholder engagement is a valued part of methods and process development across UK HTA organisations. While approaches differ, the findings highlight opportunities to share learning and support more consistent and transparent engagement across the UK system.