Patient involvement in health technology assessment: a new process in Singapore.

objectivesPatient involvement is recognized as an integral component of health technology assessment (HTA), with patients' lived experiences offering valuable insights that enhance the relevance, transparency, and quality of healthcare decision-making. In line with a national shift toward patient-centered care, Singapore's Agency for Care Effectiveness (ACE) established formal processes for patient involvement in HTA in 2021. This paper describes ACE's structured approach to identifying relevant patient organizations, co-developing processes, and building capacity to support meaningful patient input.

methodsA stakeholder mapping exercise was undertaken to identify relevant local patient and volunteer organizations by searching the Singapore Charity Portal, hospital websites, search engines, and social media platforms. Identified organizations were screened against predefined criteria and contacted to determine their interest in ACE's work. A process and methods guide, including survey templates, plain language materials, and training resources were co-developed with local patient organizations, drawing on international best practices, contextualized to local patients' needs.

resultsACE identified 106 patient organizations across 20 health conditions. During a pilot initiative between August and December 2022, 82 patients from 10 organizations provided input into 7 HTAs. Sustained participation continued afterwards, with patient testimonials submitted for 85 percent of HTAs in the first year, increasing to 89 percent in the second year.

conclusionsACE's patient involvement processes have improved the relevance and acceptance of HTA recommendations. Ongoing engagement with patient organizations, systematic evaluation of impact, and refinement of processes will be crucial to ensure that patient input continues to inform and advance healthcare decision-making in Singapore.