Grant: Project Grant

Economic evaluation is a type of research used to compare the costs and benefits of new versus existing health interventions, such as drugs or medical technologies. The results of these studies can then be used to inform decisions on how to distribute healthcare funds among competing priorities. This work frequently involves collaboration among different health professionals and researchers. Rarely does it involve input from people with lived or living experience of illness (PWLLE), such as patients, who are generally the most impacted by these decisions. Patient involvement in research is key to improving healthcare quality and addressing the needs of PWLLE. In the last decade, it has become much more common, particularly in clinical (human) research, but it still remains unclear how to best involve patients in economic evaluation. This study aims to fill this gap by developing guidelines on how to meaningfully involve PWLLE in economic evaluations and understanding what makes it easier or harder for them to participate in this research. We will start by reviewing existing literature to summarize what, if any, guidelines exist in this area (umbrella review). Next, we will interview both PWLLE and health economic researchers to understand what challenges and supports exist for involving PWLLE in economic evaluations. Using the results of the previous steps, we will draft guidelines outlining best practices and important factors for patient involvement in economic evaluations. We will then survey both people who create and use economic evaluations and PWLLE to ask for input on our guidelines (eDelphi study). Once we have incorporated everyone's feedback, we will hold a final meeting with all the survey participants to agree on what information should be included in the final guidance document. The results will help to inform future research on how to involve PWLLE in evaluating healthcare treatments, including how to address any challenges that may be encountered.