New HTA framework raises bar for consumer involvement, but questions remain

The Department of Health has released a new framework for consumer engagement in health technology assessment (HTA), setting out a more transparent and consistent approach to consumer involvement across the health technology lifecycle. While the framework outlines a range of practical reforms, it stops short of committing to implementation timelines.

The delivery of the framework follows a series of policies and reports calling for stronger consumer engagement across HTA, including the National Medicines Policy, the final report from The New Frontier inquiry, and Medicines Australia’s current Strategic Agreement with the government.

Development of the framework began in September 2025 through the Department of Health’s Consumer Evidence and Engagement Unit (CEEU). It builds on three key reports, the Conversations for Change, Enhance HTA and HTA Review reports, which pushed for “more transparent and meaningful consumer engagement”.

Although the framework was initially intended to apply to Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) processes, the Department has recognised the need to strengthen consumer engagement across the entire health technology pathway, from clinical research through to post-market review. The framework is also intended to be relevant and transferable to other HTA committees, including the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC).

Adjunct Associate Professor Jo Watson, Deputy Chair of PBAC, who co-authored a chapter in the book Patient Involvement in Health Technology Assessment, acknowledged that greater patient participation would bring both opportunities and challenges for the HTA system.

“While the recognition of the importance of patient participation in the HTA processes in Australia is undeniably a positive move, this is likely to bring change and challenges with additional expectations for the HTA system,” noted Associate Professor Watson. “Workforce skills and capacity need to be developed and increased over time, to ensure ongoing working relationships are sustained with the various stakeholders involved. This also needs to happen in such a way that does not add to system complexity and administrative burdens…”

To support the transition from policy commitment to practice, the CEEU has identified several implementation priorities relating to the new framework.

A key focus is strengthening feedback mechanisms so consumers can better understand how their input was assessed throughout the HTA process, the extent to which it informed deliberations and outcomes, and the rationale where feedback did not ultimately alter the final advice, recommendation or decision.

The CEEU has also commenced work on developing evaluation measures to assess the impact and effectiveness of consumer engagement in HTA, informed by guidance from the HTA Consumer Consultative Committee. These measures are intended to generate evidence about what approaches are working, where improvements are needed, and how resources and implementation models can be refined over time.

While the new framework provides a strong foundation, its current emphasis is primarily on principles and aspirations rather than the governance structures required to ensure meaningful consumer participation. The framework would be strengthened by providing clearer guidance on how consumer evidence should be weighed alongside clinical and economic evidence, and who is accountable for ensuring engagement is genuine rather than symbolic.

The development of practical resources to support implementation of the framework is underway, with the CEEU confirming these will be rolled out in the “coming months”. However, specific timelines for implementation have yet to be communicated.

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