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Transforming Digestive Health in Europe

In a significant move to reshape digestive health outcomes in Europe, the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) has launched the Digestive Health Roundtable Manifesto 2025. This initiative was unveiled during the European Cancer Summit 2025 and aims to elevate the role of patients from mere recipients of care to active participants in the design and implementation of health policies.

The manifesto was developed following extensive discussions among a diverse group of stakeholders, including experts from clinical, research, policy, and patient backgrounds, during the UEG Week 2025. The urgency of this initiative stems from the fact that digestive diseases are a leading cause of death and disability across Europe, posing significant challenges for patients and healthcare systems alike.

Professor Patrizia Burra, Chair of the UEG Public Affairs Group, emphasized the importance of patient involvement in shaping research priorities and clinical practices. "Digestive diseases contribute to substantial hardship for millions across Europe, affecting not just their health but also their families and the healthcare infrastructure," Burra explained.

Three Key Areas for Change

The manifesto identifies three pivotal areas that require focused efforts:

1. Digestive Cancer Care

Digestive cancers lead to over 700,000 fatalities each year within UEG’s member states. The document underscores the need for enhanced prevention strategies, improved screening processes, and greater public awareness, all aimed at promoting early detection and interventions for better survival rates.

2. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs)

Patient-reported outcome measures are essential for capturing the real-life implications of digestive disorders and their treatments. The manifesto advocates for the development of standardized and inclusive PROM frameworks. This approach will prioritize quality of life in healthcare evaluations, ensuring that treatment assessments and reimbursement decisions reflect patients' actual experiences.

3. Patient Involvement in Clinical Trials

Including patients in clinical trials is crucial for improving trial design and ensuring ethical considerations are met. The manifesto suggests establishing decentralized trials to provide equitable access. Furthermore, it proposes a special designation, the "Patient Inclusive Trial” label, to recognize best practices in incorporating patient perspectives into research methodologies.

A Call to European Policymakers

The UEG, in partnership with influential organizations such as AOECS, DiCE, ECPO, ELPA, the EOS Network, IFCCA, ILCM, and PCE, is calling upon European institutions and national authorities to accept the pivotal role of patient collaboration in shaping digestive health policies. The manifesto advocates for the adoption of shared European frameworks that address PROMs, clinical trial engagement, and cancer prevention strategies.

"The transformation of digestive health in Europe reflects more than scientific advancement; it necessitates trust and collaboration between all stakeholders," stated Professor Burra. This proactive engagement intends to ensure that preventive measures, treatments, and innovations genuinely cater to the needs of patients.

Conclusion

The launch of the Digestive Health Roundtable Manifesto marks a significant step toward embedding patients’ voices within the healthcare frameworks that govern digestive health in Europe. By fostering an inclusive environment where patient experiences shape policy and practice, the UEG is optimistically paving the way for improved digestive health outcomes for all Europeans. As the healthcare landscape evolves, prioritizing patient involvement will be crucial for achieving meaningful improvements in care and treatment, underscoring the shared responsibility of patients and healthcare providers alike.