HTA in Action: Patient Participation Academy
From understanding Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to bringing the patient voice into practice
HTA in Action: Patient Participation Academy (HTAPP) is a blended guided learning programme for patients, built around practical case work, realistic HTA simulation and professional networking. It is designed not only to explain how HTA works, but to build the knowledge, confidence, practical skills and professional connections participants need to contribute effectively to future HTA processes.
Participants that complete the programme will develop an HTA case, gain experience of contributing in a simulated setting, receive feedback from experts, take advantage of professional networking and build greater confidence to participate in real HTA activities.
What makes HTAPP programme different
• Practice throughout →
Participants apply every topic to one practical HTA case from the beginning of the programme.
• Diversity and inclusion →
Concise core content provides a clear entry point for participants regardless their level of knowledge, while optional additional sources give the opportunity to study each subject deeper.
• Continuous faculty support →
Weekly live sessions provide regular discussion, clarification and feedback.
• Realistic simulation →
Participants practise contributing to an HTA discussion in a structured and supported setting.
• Connection and networking →
Face-to-face sessions bring patients together with peers, faculty, HTA experts and programme partners.
How the programme works
01
Meet and prepare
The programme begins with a face-to-face introductory day. Participants meet one another and the faculty, understand how the programme will work and explore why patient participation in HTA matters. Ice-breaking and group activities help create a supportive and engaged learning group from the start.
02
Learn and apply
Participants then complete a ten-week guided online programme. At the beginning, each participant selects a practical HTA case to develop throughout the course. Every week includes a short introductory video, five to ten pages of accessible core material, optional links to official and more detailed resources, a focused case-based assignment and a live online group session with the lecturer in the end of each week.
This layered approach supports participants with different levels of prior knowledge, healthcare literacy and available time. Each assignment contributes to a structured case template, allowing participants to prepare for the final simulation progressively rather than all at once. Weekly live sessions provide space to discuss the work, clarify difficult concepts and learn from others.
03
Practice and connect
The programme concludes with a face-to-face HTA simulation workshop. Participants use the cases they have developed to contribute to a realistic simulated HTA meeting alongside invited experts. The workshop combines practical assessment, expert feedback, peer learning and professional networking.
Completion is based on active participation and demonstration of the knowledge and skills developed during the programme, rather than on competitive grades. A networking dinner gives participants, experts and programme partners further opportunity to continue the conversation in a less formal setting.
