This guide describes how patients and the public can get involved in decisions about what healthcare should be available. It can also be used to help raise awareness of patient needs.
Purpose of the guide
This practical guide describes the contribution that patients, caregivers and the public can make to decisions about improving healthcare, based on gathering information about the experience of living with an illness and about the impact technologies have on Peoples’ lives. The aim of the guide is to help patients, caregivers and the public to make their case effectively during health technology assessment (HTA) processes. Its primary audience is likely to be patient groups who see their role as patient advocates.
Following the advice in this guide does not ensure that the technology will be approved but it may help ensure your voice is heard. The HTA process can lead to technologies being turned down or not recommended.
Specifically, the guide aims to:
- Improve understanding of the HTA process, including the terminology used
- Increase the skills of non-professionals contributing to the HTA process
- Provide guidance for patient group and public contributions to the HTA process