Patient voice in Health Technology Assessments

Patient voice in Health Technology Assessments

The World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum 2025 in Brussels continued on Public Day with an insightful session titled “Patient voice in Health Technology Assessments (HTA).” The discussion focused on how meaningful patient involvement can improve the way new medicines, diagnostics, and technologies are evaluated—ensuring that innovation leads to real benefits for people affected by bladder cancer.

Moderated by Dr Anke-Peggy Holtorf, Board Member of HTAi (Health Technology Assessment International), the session brought together leading voices from European and international organisations working to strengthen patient participation in healthcare decision-making.

• Lori Funk-Cirefice, President of the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition and Cancer Vessie France, opened the discussion by highlighting how patient organisations can ensure that health technologies reflect the lived realities of patients. She stressed that when patients are involved in HTA processes, decisions consider not only cost and efficacy but also quality of life, dignity, and daily experience.
• Valentina Strammiello, Interim CEO of the European Patients’ Forum (EPF), underlined that early and structured patient engagement improves the quality and legitimacy of health policy decisions. She shared EPF’s work supporting patient representatives to take part in European and national HTA frameworks, helping to make healthcare more transparent and equitable.
• Julie Spony, Project Officer at the European Commission, presented how the new EU HTA Regulation aims to harmonise assessment methods across Europe while embedding patient evidence in joint clinical assessments. She noted that meaningful patient input will be central to ensuring that new health technologies meet real-world needs.
• Lauren Pretorius, CEO of Campaigning for Cancer (South Africa), brought an international perspective on patient involvement beyond Europe. She highlighted the importance of capacity-building and collaboration between patient organisations, regulators, and policymakers to ensure that patient voices influence decision-making in all healthcare systems.

The session concluded with a shared understanding that patient participation in HTA is no longer optional—it is essential to achieving fairer, more person-centred healthcare. By integrating patient perspectives into every stage of policy and assessment, the future of bladder cancer care can become more responsive, inclusive, and effective for all.