#Spain #Barcelona #Digestive Health #UEG #Patient Representation

UEG Launches Patient Representatives Advisory Board

The United European Gastroenterology (UEG) has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to enhancing patient involvement in digestive health by launching the new Patient Representatives Advisory Board (PRAB). This initiative was introduced during UEG Week 2026 in Barcelona, marking a pivotal moment for the organization as it aims to integrate patient perspectives into its public affairs activities more effectively.

Context and Importance of the PRAB

The establishment of the PRAB is rooted in UEG's dedication to recognizing the insights and experiences of individuals living with digestive diseases. This initiative follows UEG's previous collaborations with various patient organizations, notably the Digestive Health Roundtable 2025. The Manifesto presented during this roundtable underscored the vital necessity for patients to be viewed as co-creators in the development of health policies, research strategies, and care frameworks.

By serving as a structured and independent entity, the PRAB aims to facilitate patient-centered contributions to UEG’s overarching goals. Through this board, UEG will foster a formal connection with the European patient community. The goal is to pinpoint common challenges faced by individuals with digestive diseases and enhance collaboration amongst patient organizations, thereby improving health outcomes.

Insights from UEG Leadership

Professor Joost PH Drenth, President of UEG, highlighted the board's significance, stating, "To enhance digestive health effectively, it is essential that patient perspectives are included from the beginning of our discussions." The introduction of the Patient Representatives Advisory Board provides a tangible avenue for the organization to listen and engage with patients actively.

During the launch at the Digestive Health Roundtable 2026, notable discussions occurred among patient representatives, healthcare professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders. The dialogue centered around how to better incorporate patient perspectives into digestive health research, focusing on vital topics such as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and ensuring patient involvement throughout the entire research lifecycle. Participants explored the potential development of practical toolkits that could help in operationalizing these strategies.

Reactions from Patient Representatives

Professor Alexander Hann, Chair of the UEG Public Affairs Group, expressed enthusiasm about the arrival of the PRAB, stating, "This board provides us with a dedicated platform to meaningfully incorporate patients’ views into our public affairs efforts." Moreover, representatives from various patient organizations including AOECS, DiCE, ECPO, ELPA, EOS Network, IFCCA, ILCM, and PCE collectively released a statement praising the PRAB’s establishment. They emphasized that this formal space would allow them to channel their perspectives directly into UEG’s initiatives, fostering cooperation to confront shared challenges while ensuring advocacy efforts resonate with the actual experiences of those affected.

The Path Ahead

The formation of the Patient Representatives Advisory Board represents both a commitment to patient-guided advocacy and an acknowledgment of the essential role patients play in advancing digestive health. By fostering a collaborative environment where patients can voice their needs and preferences, UEG is setting a precedent that may enhance the effectiveness of health policies and practices throughout Europe.

Moving forward, the PRAB will be instrumental in driving discussions that are not only productive but also reflective of the collective voice of patients. This commitment showcases UEG's dedication to ensuring that patients are at the forefront of conversations about their health, which is crucial for the continued advancement of digestive health care.