Survey investigating the knowledge and awareness of payers and patient advocacy groups about the health technology assessment process in Lebanon

Abstract

The survey aims to assess the knowledge and awareness of Reimbursement Bodies (RBs) and Patient Advocacy Groups (PAGs) in Lebanon and the possible involvement of patients in the health technology assessment (HTA) process in the absence of a well-established HTA structure and to identify the actions to be taken at this level. Structured questionnaires were administered to eleven key participants from both RBs and PAGs. The survey utilized two different questionnaires, each composed of two open-ended questions and ten close-ended questions. RBs recognized the need for clinical and technical guidelines to optimize the HTA process, whereas PAGs stated that they are familiar with the current assessment and reimbursement process. A lack of interaction between the payers and the PAGs was reported mainly due to the absence of laws that involve patients in the assessment process. All the payers and three out of five of PAGs encouraged the involvement of PAGs in the assessment process. They reported that patients require support, education, and training to be efficiently involved. A short-term plan for involving patients in the assessment process can be implemented in light of RBs' and PAGs' openness for such involvement. In the long run, the collaboration between both parties needs to be more formalized and structured. Education and training programs are to be suggested for other PAGs. The institutionalization of an HTA body that unifies all the fragmented RBs, including a patient's representation to optimize the reimbursement process and to engage patients, is recommended.