AQuAS is gradually incorporating patient involvement in health technology assessment (HTA). We present two experiences conducted during 2018 and the different methods and approaches used. The aim is to reflect on learnings from those experiences to improve ways for increasing patient involvement with HTA at AQuAS.

We conducted two experiences using different quantitative and qualitative techniques (mix-methods approach). The first, a focus group discussion regarding the use of 3D-technologies for maxillofacial reconstruction with a selection of hospital patients that received maxillofacial reconstruction, which included the use of a quality-of-life retrospective self-assessment tool. The second, a sequence of email correspondence regarding cataract surgery technology (femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), in the context of an EUnetHTA Joint Assessment) with a patients’ association representative, to learn their opinion regarding the use of laser technology.

Main learnings were: (1) patients and associations have different levels of knowledge and expertise to consider when planning an HTA; (2) sharing experience and knowledge among peers (i.e. focus group) proved to have a positive impact on patients and worked as a resource for some to improve knowledge on their condition; (3) critiques were received regarding a specific Patient Reported Experience template for HTA patient involvement (iv) quality of life retrospective self-assessment tool provided unexpected positive and negative results.

Recent patient involvement in HTA at AQuAS proved to be useful to complement HTA reports. We believe that patients’ experiences and opinions can help decision-making regarding the use, disinvestment or incorporation of health technologies, contribute to the improvement of tools and survey accuracy and improve doctor-patient communication. Their involvement might be beneficial for them to gain more knowledge, share experiences, reflect on their health situation and improve communication with the professionals that treat them. Future patient-involvement in HTA is needed, e.g. considering the social perspective in economic evaluations or including patients in recommendation consensus panels.