Call for Patients EDiHTA
Call for patients – EDiHTA project : European Digital Health Technology Assessment framework
The European Patients' Forum (EPF) is pleased to announce a call for patients for EDiHTA, a project focusing on assessing different Digital Health Technologies (DHTs), such as telemedicine, health mobile apps, robotics, digital medical devices and Artificial Intelligence (AI), at different Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), territorial levels and from the perspective of beneficiaries and providers of healthcare.
The patients will contribute to the project by participating in patient engagement activities that aim to identify the needs and requirements of patients and patients’ associations, as stakeholders, to implement the EDiHTA framework. These experiences and preferences will be considered when mapping the existing HTA frameworks and the taxonomy of DHTs and ensures that patient experiences and priorities are integrated into the project from the start.
Background information
DHTs are expected to improve both the quality and delivery of healthcare services for European countries while ensuring the sustainability of Europe’s healthcare systems. DHTs are also able to collect real-world data and evidence relevant for decision makers. However, the implementation of DHTs implies new methodological challenges to the standardisation of assessment criteria. If existing Health Technology Assessment methodologies remain not harmonised and interoperable at EU level, they are unable to capture the real added value of DHTs.
In September-October 2024, EPF aims to conduct 2 focus groups with patients using/who have used digital medical devices and/or are familiar with DHTs e.g., AI, telemedicine, health mobile apps and robotics. The goal is to capture the full value of DHTs for patients and society and identify the priorities of patients relevant to the EDiHTA framework.
You can also find a detailed plan and description of the project here.
Why does patient involvement matter in EDiHTA?
• Advances in DHTs only possible with the voluntary participation of patients
• Legitimacy, transparency and accountability – TRUST
• Better, more relevant research results:
o Better alignment of research priorities with real unmet needs
o Improved design: ethics, practicalities, endpoints that are important
o Improved information material, informed consent
o Wider dissemination of findings and championing of research
o Fostering public awareness and trust in HTA-process
Who are we looking for?
• Fifteen patients using/who have used digital medical devices and/or are familiar with DHTs e.g., AI, telemedicine, health mobile apps and robotics. We aim to ensure representation of profiles from different geographies, genders, disease areas, and age ranges.
• Fluent English required
• Min. 18 years of age
• Preferred but not mandatory to have experience with focus groups
• Preferred but not mandatory to have experience with HTA
How will you contribute?
• Participation in 2 Focus Group meetings (online, ~ 1,5 hours each, incl. breaks) in September – October 2024 (dates tbc, pending participants’ availability)
• Availability via email
• Potential participation in project activities e.g., interviews, consultations, evaluation workshop and other events
• Familiarise with short pre-reads and resources, if needed.
Timeline and selection process
The call is open from 6 August until 20 August 2024 - totalling two weeks to submit applications. Applications will be evaluated by an EPF staff member.
• 6 August 2024 – Launch of the call
• 19 August 2024 – Closing of the call
• 26 August 2024 – Results of the procedure
Compensation
Your input will be renumerated accordingly.
Application form and questions
Please complete the application form.
The application form consists of questions about your personal details (name, country of residence, experience), short questions about your motivation for applying, a declaration of interest, and information on how EPF will process your personal information.
You can apply to become a member of the Patient Advisory Group until 20.08.2024.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bianca Pop at bianca.pop@eu-patient.eu