New Advisory Board Established to Empower Patient Voices in Digestive Health at UEG Week 2026

Empowering Patient Voices in Digestive Health

The United European Gastroenterology (UEG) has taken a bold step in enhancing the role of patients in the field of digestive health by launching the Patient Representatives Advisory Board (PRAB) during the UEG Week 2026, held in the vibrant city of Barcelona.

This initiative reflects UEG's steadfast commitment to incorporating patient insights into its advocacy efforts and initiatives aimed at improving digestive health across Europe. The formation of the PRAB is designed to ensure that individuals living with digestive disorders have a direct avenue to express their views and concerns in policy-making processes.

A Historic Launch

The PRAB's debut is rooted in UEG's ongoing collaboration with various patient organizations. Notably, this includes the Digestive Health Roundtable 2025, where a manifesto was created to recognize patients as co-designers in aspects of policy, research, and healthcare delivery focused on digestive health. This structured and independent advisory body now serves to bring patient-oriented contributions to UEG’s public outreach and overarching endeavors.

Professor Joost PH Drenth, UEG’s President, emphasized, “If we want to enhance digestive health in a way that genuinely meets the needs of patients, their perspectives must be part of the conversation from the very beginning.” The advisory board not only facilitates learning and interaction with patients but also ensures that their voices will influence UEG’s priorities and future projects.

Facilitating Meaningful Dialogue

Launched officially during the Digestive Health Roundtable 2026, the PRAB aims to bridge gaps between patients, clinicians, researchers, and stakeholders. Discussions at the Roundtable focused on the inclusion of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) throughout the entire research lifecycle, alongside the development of actionable tools tailored to this end.

Professor Alexander Hann, the UEG’s Public Advocacy Group Chair, voiced enthusiasm about the formation of the PRAB, citing it as a pivotal platform to integrate patient perspectives significantly into UEG’s outreach activities.

The Importance of Collaboration

Patient representatives from organizations such as AOECS, DiCE, ECPO, and others have collectively stated, “The PRAB creates a formal space for patients and patient organizations to directly contribute their perspectives into UEG's work.