Valuing the Patient Voice in Medicines Access Decisions

This paper is a research report that examines the role of consumer input and evidence in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) processes in Australia compared to four international markets over a nine-year period. It defines the 'patient voice' as the meaningful inclusion of consumer perspectives, which can be categorized into consumer input and consumer evidence. The report outlines the significance of these forms of engagement in ensuring HTA decisions reflect the needs of patients. It highlights Australia's position in incorporating consumer input, noting a strong upward trend, with 66% of HTA submissions including such input in 2024. However, it also identifies that consumer evidence is underutilized in Australia, with only 31% of submissions incorporating it, the lowest among benchmark markets. The report discusses anticipated policy reforms aimed at enhancing consumer engagement and evidence in HTA processes, presenting opportunities for collaboration between industry and patient advocacy groups.