Eurordis - Rare Disease Europe

The EURORDIS Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Task Force is a group of 12 persons who live with a rare disease or are parents of child with a rare disease.

They are EURORDIS’ members experienced and/or trained at different extent in HTA, with various educational background and stories.

The focus of the Task Force is to discuss any aspect of the assessment and reimbursement of health technologies.

The existence of this Task Force ensures that EURORDIS’ position on any HTA-related matter is built on the knowledge and the input of patients. Moreover, its members are engaged in advocating for a scientific, inclusive, and European-shaped HTA, as well as for the legitimate role of patients in this exercise and in the consequent decision-making.

They act under the rules of the EURORDIS Chart of Volunteers

The Task Force could also welcome external experts as guests if and when that can benefit the work of the group.

Why it is important for patients

How do healthcare systems decide what are the best treatments and the ones it’s worth to pay for?

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is the process by which national authorities evaluate the available healthcare options. They look at medical, social, economic and ethical factors to determine healthcare practices at a policy level.

The EURORDIS HTA Task Force is meant to focus on any aspect of HTA that is of interest for patients, experts, and health authorities, at national/local level as well as at the European level.

What work does the task force do

The mission of the Task Force includes informing EURORDIS about how health technologies are assessed, which one are reimbursed, how patients are engaged and how decisions are made. Sharing views on the future of HTA at the European level and interact with experts is also part of their mandate.

The Task Force may raise and discuss specific cases about reimbursement and access of medicines or medical devices, reply to public consultations, attend conferences, and advocate for legislative initiatives about HTA and the engagement of patients.

The knowledge shared and acquired by the Group is also meant to be shared in liaison with the Task Force member’s communities and networks, so as to raise awareness regarding HTA.

Volunteers