Patients, users, caregivers and citizens’ involvement in local HTA unit in Quebec: a survey

Abstract

Increasing emphasis is given on involving patients in health technology assessment (HTA). While this is mainly done at the level of regional and national HTA agencies, this tendency is also emerging in local HTA units. In this study we provide the results of a survey conducted in local HTA units in the province of Quebec, Canada. The aim of the survey was to provide a panorama of local HTA units practices to involve patients in their process, their interest in doing so, and their information needs for this. The survey was conducted in 2017 with a response rate of 11 units over a possibility of 12. Results indicate that only 3 units over 11 never involved patients or members of the public in their process and that all will involve them in the next few years. The three most important needs identified in the HTA units were: recruiting and selecting patients; integrating experiential knowledge; and knowing and implementing the winning conditions for partnership. To conclude, patient involvement in local HTA units is quickly evolving; that is why the latter urgently need tools to involve more effectively patients and members of the public in their process. Key messages There is a need to develop tools to involve patients in HTA process. Patient involvement in local HTA units is quickly evolving.