6. Patient involvement in different phases of HTA - Appraisal

Appraisals are based on synthesising all data included in the HTA and should remain consistent with the HTA framework. 

It is important to document the arguments behind an appraisal—highlighting both advantages and disadvantages—regardless of the outcome. This provides a strong foundation for patients to advocate for or challenge the appraisal. 

Once an appraisal is made publicly available, patients or patient groups can: 

• Ensure that their local HTA body has a review and feedback mechanism for recommendations—or request the establishment of one—to support transparency and fairness. 
• Use this mechanism, where available, to review recommendations and provide feedback, helping ensure that patient evidence and values were properly considered. 
• Communicate clear, lay-friendly summaries of recommendations to support wider understanding.