Bringing Patient Centricity to Life

This white paper discusses the reform opportunities aimed at enhancing patient centricity within the Australian healthcare system. It outlines the current environment that presents various opportunities for stakeholders, particularly patients, to engage with the health system and government regarding reforms. The document details recommendations stemming from the 2021 Parliamentary Inquiry into drug approval processes and the 2023 review of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) policies. It emphasizes the importance of effective consumer engagement and the need for a patient-centric approach in decision-making processes. The paper highlights the role of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) in assessing medicines and the necessity for patient involvement in HTA. Recommendations include building a single digital platform for information access, improving consumer feedback mechanisms, and enhancing educational resources for stakeholders. The insights are based on discussions with Health Consumer Organisations (HCOs) and aim to empower consumers throughout the lifecycle of medicines.