About the process
The Co-design an Enhanced Consumer Engagement Process was a commitment in the 2022–2027 Strategic Agreement between the Commonwealth and Medicines Australia.
Working from November 2023 to June 2024, we created a consumer-led, multi-stakeholder Co-Design Working Group (CWG) to develop the process.
Why it is important
Consumer and patient perspectives are important when determining whether access to a new medicine or other health technology should be subsidised. An Enhanced Consumer Engagement Process will help consumers and patients to participate in HTA processes.
Goals
The co-design of the enhanced process looked at how to capture consumer and patient perspectives earlier in the medicines listing process. It aimed to improve:
- access to earlier information about new health technologies
- understanding of consumer issues before a medicine becomes listed.
Who we worked with
As part of their work, the CWG held an open consultation in March 2024 to gather feedback on their draft recommendations. The consultation received responses from a wide range of stakeholder groups and they informed the final CWG recommendations.
We thank the individuals and groups who took part in the consultation for their meaningful and constructive feedback.
Status
The CWG developed a recommendations report based on their findings and provided it to the Minister for Health and Aged Care on 5 July 2024. The Australian Government is considering the recommendations and will respond in due course.
Report
Enhance HTA: An Enhanced Consumer Engagement Process in Australian Health Technology Assessment – A report of recommendations
Related work
The HTA Policy and Methods Review worked with stakeholders to identify features of Australia’s current HTA system that are working effectively, and those that are acting as barriers to access.
The recommendations of the HTA Review aim to:
- address inequities in access
- reduce how long it takes for medicines to be funded
- improve engagement, making HTA processes simpler and easier for consumers and clinicians
- invest in HTA capability to make it adaptable and futureproof.
The National Medicine Policy outlines how we work with:
- state and territory governments
- the health and medicines industry
- the media
- consumers.
This policy ensures Australians have fair and affordable access to medicines.
The HTA Consumer Consultative Committee provides strategic advice and support to our department and the principal HTA committees. Acting as an advisory group, it brings consumer views into HTA processes and relevant matters.
Learn more
If you are unsure how medicines and medical services and products become funded, find out more by watching the introduction presentation.
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