HTA Community Perspectives on the Use of Patient Preference Information: Lessons Learned from a Survey with Members of HTA Bodies

This research sought to assess whether and how patient preference (PP) data are currently used within health technology assessment (HTA) bodies and affiliated organisations involved in technology/drug appraisals and assessments. An exploratory survey was developed by the Patient Preference Project Subcommittee (PPPS) of the HTA International (HTAi)’s Patient and Citizen Involvement Interest Group (PCIG) to gain insight into the use, impact and role of PP data in HTA, as well as the perceived barriers to its incorporation. Forty members of HTA bodies and affiliated organisations from 12 countries completed the online survey. PP data were reported to be formally considered as part of the HTA evidence review process by 82.5 percent of the respondents, while 39.4 percent reported that most of the appraisals and assessments within their organisation in the past year had submitted PP data. The leading reason for why PP data were not submitted in most assessments was time/resource constraints followed by lack of clarity on PP data impact. Participants reported that PP data has a moderate level of influence on the deliberative process and outcome of the decision, but higher level of influence on the decision’s quality. Most (81.8 percent) felt patient advocacy groups should be primarily responsible for generating and submitting this type of evidence. Insights from the survey confirm use of PP data in HTA but reveal barriers to its broader and more meaningful integration. Encouragingly, participants believe obstacles can be overcome, paving the way for a second phase of research involving in-depth collaborative workshops with HTA representatives.