Patient Involvement in Health Technology Assessments: Lessons for EU Joint Clinical Assessments.

Patient involvement in health technology assessment (HTA) processes is increasingly recognized as pivotal for informed, equitable, and patient-relevant health care decision-making. With the implementation of Joint Scientific Consultations (JSCs) and Joint Clinical Assessments (JCAs) under Regulation (EU) 2021/2282, the European Union has a unique opportunity to design harmonized mechanisms that reflect best practices from established HTA systems. This article, drawing on the Acute Leukemia Advocates Network (ALAN)'s comparative analysis of HTA practices across seven countries (Canada, England, Scotland, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy), examines how current patient involvement processes can inform the JCA framework. It identifies opportunities to replicate effective practices and proposes strategies to embed patient voices meaningfully into the JCA process. By prioritizing robust and inclusive patient involvement, the EU can establish a global benchmark for impactful and consistent HTA processes. By leveraging lessons from international HTA systems and prioritizing clear frameworks, early involvement, and capacity building, the EU can set a global standard for meaningful patient participation in HTA processes. ALAN is an independent global network of patient organizations dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with acute leukemia.