Australian health technology assessment (HTA) committees and processes at the national level have needed to consider an increasing focus on patient involvement and interactions within their scope. As various approaches have been explored, the visibility and impacts of patient involvement and consumer representation has evolved markedly over the most recent five years.

Program activities were developed from review of contemporary HTA models of practice across various HTA sectors internationally alongside input from individual patients and patient groups. Practical application of program pilots was influenced by specific requirements of the Office of HTA, the coordination of HTA Committee procedures and timelines, and involvement of HTA Committee consumer members.

The development of capacity building programs for HTA consumer committee members, the growth of external activity and communications targeting patient groups and networks, and the establishment of an expert position to develop the HTA Consumer Evidence and Engagement Unit within the Department’s Office of HTA, are all examples of the work delivered in this period to better integrate patient evidence and inputs into HTA processes and decision-making. Activities over the next period will seek to establish formal frameworks for meaningful involvement that can demonstrate these contributions to evaluations and decision-making.

Various examples of patient involvement and participation in processes have evolved over time. The scope and impacts of these experiences have illustrated important participatory demands and resourcing needs, as well potential benefits for deliberations. The Australian Government and Departmental frameworks for HTA currently seek to enhance the development of patient evidence inputs and participation. These developments will be informed by the Australian context and comprehensive consultation with Australian patient groups and their networks. Strategies for improvements are anticipated to be relevant across all HTA processes and Committees within HTA areas.