Being 'equal partners' with other stakeholders in the HTA process is the main aspirational 'end goal' for consumers. Reaching this goal depends on four other related outcomes also being achieved, as shown below.
A baseline awareness of HTA processes, what these are for and a desire to engage with these, achieved through open communication and transparency.
Consumers have a developed understanding of how HTA works and how they can be involved in it, with guidance and support from the CEEU and other stakeholders.
Consumers’ input and participation are acknowledged and embedded into HTA processes i.e. via documentation of what/when/how consumers are included.
With the above three elements, consumers are better equipped to actively participate in HTA processes, being informed and engaged, supported and knowledgeable.
Over time, the embedding of consumers in the process and their active participation evolves into equal partners with other stakeholders. It is more than consultation or engagement, consumers are as much a part of the process as, for example, industry.