A Framework for Involving the Public in Health Care Coverage and Resource Allocation Decisions

Abstract

Coverage and resource allocation decisions are a very important area for public engagement because of their direct impact on the public's access to care and because the affected services are publicly funded. We present a framework that guides decision-makers through key questions they must address when deciding on, structuring, evaluating and disseminating the results of public engagement exercises, particularly as they relate to coverage and resource allocation decisions. The framework will enable decision-makers to better conduct viable and meaningful citizen engagement around these issues.

Decision maker perceptions of resource allocation processes in Canadian health care organizations: a national survey

“…We know that priority setting and resource allocation processes need to be both economically sound (making best use of resources to maximize health benefit) and ethical –fair and transparent [1-3]. Evidence from many countries suggests that decision makers struggle to assemble and use relevant evidence [4-7], and to engage clinical stakeholders [8,9] and the public [10-12] in a meaningful fashion. Institutional and cultural barriers stand in the way [13-15].…”

Evaluation Criteria of Patient and Public Involvement in Resource Allocation Decisions: A Literature Review and Qualitative Study

“…The processes and procedures used by the committee should ensure fairness in decision making from the perspective of patient and public representatives (26–28;30;31). This criterion may assess whether committee decisions recognize outcomes that are valued by patients and which patient advocacy groups, if any, the public would prioritize for funding decisions.…”

“…Committees should have processes that allow public and patient representatives the opportunity to participate fully in discussions and to address power differentials (16,20–22;30;31;35). This criterion may assess whether there is dedicated time during discussions for patient and public input and whether there is sufficient time for external stakeholders to prepare submissions.…”

Der ThemenCheck Medizin: Bürgerorientierung bei der Themensammlung und der Themenauswahl für HTA-Berichte

“…Eine Möglichkeit für die systematische Berücksichtigung der Präferenzen und Erfahrungen von Betroffenen in HTA-Berichten könnten zudem qualitative Evidenzsynthesen bieten [37,38]. Ebenso finden sich in unterschiedlichen Publikationen umfassendere Rahmenkonzepte für die Beteiligung von Betroffenen an dem gesamten HTA-Prozess [39][40][41].…”