HPR25 Patient Organisations' Submissions to the Pharmaceutical Pricing Board in Finland

Minh, Mirjami Tran; Lahti, Tuuli; Airaksinen, Marja

doi:10.1016/j.jval.2022.09.1157

Cited by 1 publication

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“…According to a previous Finnish study, patient organizations have provided written submissions to the PPB and COHERE, but to a limited extent (18;19). From 2017 to 2021, the PPB has received 17 to 31 submissions annually for price and reimbursement applications from patient organizations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experiences of patient organizations’ involvement in medicine appraisal and reimbursement processes in Finland – a qualitative study

Tran Minh,

Airaksinen,

Lahti

2024

Int J Technol Assess Health Care

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Background This study investigated how patient representatives have experienced their involvement in medicines appraisal and reimbursement processes with the Council for Choices in Health Care in Finland (COHERE) and the Pharmaceuticals Pricing Board (PPB) and how authorities perceive the role of patient organizations’ input. Methods Semi-structured thematic individual and pair interviews were conducted in 2021 with representatives (n = 14) of patient organizations and government officials (n = 7) of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The interview data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Patient representatives expressed their appreciation for the PPB and the COHERE in creating consultation processes and systematic models that support involvement. However, there were many challenges: patient representatives were uncertain about how their submissions were utilized in official processes and whether their opinions had any significance in decision-making. Patients or patient organizations lack representation in appraisal and decision-making bodies, and patient representatives felt that decision-making lacked transparency. The importance of patient involvement was highlighted by the authorities, but they also emphasized that the patient organizations’ contributions were complementary to the other materials. Submissions regarding the medications used to treat rare diseases and those with limited research evidence were considered particularly valuable. However, the submissions may not necessarily have a direct impact on decisions. Conclusions The interviews provided relevant input for the development of involvement processes at the PPB and COHERE. The interviews confirmed the need for increased transparency in the medicines assessment, appraisal, and decision-making procedures in Finland.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%