The BVSHOE criticizes the lack of involvement of the democratically elected patient representatives in the evaluation board.
Vienna (OTS) – The introduction of a national assessment board is intended to represent the requirements for the implementation of corresponding EU regulations and thus also the framework conditions for the implementation of EU HTA, i.e. a Europe-wide benefit assessment.
But in reality, the Federal Association of Self-Help Austria sees the quality of medical-therapeutic care, especially in the area of innovative therapies, as contradicting the Medical Act. In this, doctors are encouraged to treat patients as quickly as possible with the best therapy according to the “state of science”. Patients can’t wait!
The planned amendment will in future assign the decision on the use of innovative (e.g. cancer) therapies in hospitals to a very complex committee (“evaluation board”), the majority of which consists of representatives of the authorities. The medical profession represents a very small minority in this committee and is not entitled to vote, as are the patient advocates employed by the respective state and bound by instructions. Independent, democratically elected experts from patient representatives are missing! These would have to be included additionally. As those affected, only they know the needs of patients and relatives.
Approval of innovative therapies should be based primarily on economic considerations in a cumbersome and perhaps time-consuming process that has not yet been defined in detail. The draft law does not specify the frequency of Board meetings. The Federal Association of Self-Help Austria sees this as a serious threat to patient safety and patient care.
It’s about human lives!
Austria is also required, following the EU strategy “health in all policies”, to take into account the participation and input of democratically elected patient representatives in these processes. who are experts in the field of the respective illness on behalf of patients and relatives. Therefore, the Federal Association of Self-Help Austria calls for an expansion of patients’ rights within the framework of the Patient Charter (2002) in the 15a agreement BVG and the fixation in a newly developed participation law in accordance with the EU strategy “Health in all policies” in accordance with the valid coalition agreement, according to which a strengthening of the Patient representative is fixed.
This could avoid many inconsistencies (e.g. in this rating board) and contribute to a healthcare system that is primarily patient-oriented.
Questions & Contact:
Federal Association of Self-Help Austria (BSHOE)
Angelika Widhalm, chairwoman
Tel. 0676/5204124 or 01/392 00 11
E-mail: angelika.widhalm@bvshoe.at and sabine.roehrenbacher@bvshoe.at