ISSUE

: The panel will explore challenges and opportunities from a multi-stakeholder perspective in incorporating patient insights into HTA deliberations, and discuss the ‘weight’ of the patient voice in decision-making. The debate will be enlivened and made relevant by focusing on a real-life case study.

OVERVIEW

: The case study (ultrasound-guided ablation techniques in nodular thyroid disease) will be used to discuss the value, methodology and approach(es) for integrating patient preference/evidence into HTA process. This new non-invasive technique can be used to remove a range of benign thyroid nodules without surgery and is associated with improved QoL for patients since no surgery is involved. However, since costs are the same there is no incentive for hospitals to introduce ablation, change supplies and train staff but patients prefer it on the basis of better QoL.

Questions for the panel include:

1. What is the value of incorporating patient evidence/preference into HTAs? Do we have metrics/evidence? Is there economic value?
2. What is the potential consequence of NOT incorporating patient evidence/preference?
3. What do HTA bodies consider robust patient evidence? What methodology should be used?
4. Does patient evidence/preference carry equal weight as other ‘traditional’ evidence – if not – why not?
5. Are different HTA bodies aligned in incorporation/use of patient evidence? Is better alignment/standardization required?
6. What tools or guidance is there/are needed? Could guidance from other PE initiatives be tailored for HTA use? If so how and by who - through co-creation?

The session will provide interactive opportunities for audience participation in debate of key issues. Attendance will benefit: clinicians (understanding the value of patient involvement); payors, statisticians and patient organization representatives (understand that approaching an issue from an economic perspective can lead to important outcomes for patients); and economists (insights on issues that impact meaningful patient involvement in HTA decisions).