#Spain #Barcelona #Digestive Health #Patient Advocacy #UEG

UEG Launches New Advisory Board for Patients

The United European Gastroenterology (UEG) has unveiled its new Patient Representatives Advisory Board (PRAB) in an effort to integrate patient perspectives into its operations and enhance digestive health across Europe. This significant launch occurred during UEG Week 2026 in Barcelona, marking a pivotal step forward in UEG's commitment to improving the lives of individuals dealing with digestive diseases.

The PRAB arises from UEG's ongoing collaborations with patient organizations, most notably the Digestive Health Roundtable 2025. This initiative emphasizes the necessity for patients to be recognized as co-creators in the policy, research, and healthcare landscape concerning digestive health.

As a structured and independent advisory body, the PRAB is designed to provide patient-centered insights that will enrich UEG's public relations activities and other initiatives. By establishing a formal interface between UEG and the European patient community, the board aims to pinpoint common challenges faced by various digestive diseases and bolster cooperation with patient organizations.

Professor Joost PH Drenth, the president of UEG, remarked on the importance of this initiative, stating, "If we want to improve digestive health in a way that genuinely addresses patient needs, their perspectives must be integrated from the very beginning. The Patient Representatives Advisory Board offers us a privileged means to listen, learn, and collaborate, thus ensuring that patient voices illuminate our priorities and the work we undertake."

The official launch of the PRAB coincided with the Digestive Health Roundtable 2026, where patient representatives collaborated with clinicians, researchers, and various stakeholders to explore how patient perspectives can be integrated into digestive health research. Discussions revolved around patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), the involvement throughout the research life cycle, and the development of practical toolkits.

The enthusiasm surrounding the establishment of the PRAB was echoed by Professor Alexander Hann, chairman of UEG's Public Affairs group, who stated, "We are excited about the formation of the UEG Patient Representatives Advisory Board, which provides a dedicated platform to ensure that patient viewpoints are fully integrated into our public relations activities."

In a unified statement, representatives from various patient organizations, including AOECS, DiCE, ECPO, ELPA, EOS Network, IFCCA, ILCM, and PCE, expressed their support, saying, "The PRAB creates a formal space for patients and patient organizations to bring their viewpoints directly to UEG's work. By collaborating across all digestive diseases, we can identify shared challenges, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that advocacy and activities reflect the priorities and experiences of the individuals they are meant to serve."

As the PRAB begins its journey, it promises to foster a greater understanding between healthcare professionals and patients, ensuring that the voices of those affected by digestive diseases are not merely heard but actively shape the future of digestive health policy and care in Europe.