New Patient Representatives Advisory Board Launched by UEG for Digestive Health

UEG Strengthens Patient Representation in Digestive Health

The United European Gastroenterology (UEG) has recently established a new Patient Representatives Advisory Board (PRAB), marking an important milestone in their ongoing mission to elevate the voices of patients dealing with digestive diseases. This initiative was officially announced during the UEG Week 2026 in Barcelona, where UEG leaders expressed their commitment to incorporating patient perspectives in health policy and research efforts.

The PRAB responds to a growing demand for patient involvement in healthcare decisions. It serves as a formal platform where patients can express their insights and experiences. This advisory board aims to enhance UEG's institutional relations and broader initiatives tailored to improve digestive healthcare across Europe.

The establishment of this board comes after a collaborative effort by UEG with various patient organizations, including the Digestive Health Roundtable 2025, which issued a manifesto advocating the inclusion of patient involvement in shaping healthcare policies, conducting research, and defining medical care related to digestive health.

Professor Joost P.H. Drenth, the president of UEG, noted, "If we want to genuinely improve digestive health, we must ensure that patient perspectives are integrated into discussions from the very beginning. The Patient Representatives Advisory Board provides a dedicated space for us to listen, learn, and collaborate. This will help ensure that patient voices guide our priorities and initiatives."

During the first meetings of the PRAB, held at the Digestive Health Roundtable 2026, patients had the opportunity to engage with clinicians, researchers, and other stakeholders to discuss the integration of patient perspectives into digestive health research. These discussions revolved around patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), which are crucial for capturing the real-world effects of health interventions, as well as meaningful patient participation throughout the entire research cycle.

Professor Alexander Hann, chair of the UEG Public Affairs Group, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "We are thrilled to launch the Patient Representatives Advisory Board as it provides a structured opportunity to incorporate patient perspectives meaningfully into our public affairs activities."

Additionally, representatives from various patient organizations, including AOECS, DiCE, ECPO, ELPA, EOS Network, IFCCA, ILCM, and PCE, expressed their enthusiasm for the new board. They commented, "The PRAB creates an official space for patients and patient organizations to embed their insights directly into UEG's work. Collaborating in the field of digestive diseases allows us to identify common challenges and enhance cooperation, ensuring that our advocacy efforts reflect the priorities and experiences of the individuals we aim to serve."

With the establishment of this patient advisory board, UEG sets a precedent for patient engagement in healthcare decision-making, emphasizing that the voice of the patient is not just heard, but actively shapes the direction of digestive health policy and research. This initiative promises to foster improved dialogue between healthcare providers and patients, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for those living with digestive conditions.