#Brussels #Belgium #Digestive Health #patient participation #European Gastroenterology

Integrating Patient Voices for a Healthier Future

In a significant step towards enhancing digestive health in Europe, the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) has launched the Digestive Health Roundtable Manifesto. This initiative is in collaboration with eight leading patient associations and aims to elevate the status of patients from being mere beneficiaries to co-creators of health policies, research, and practices related to digestive health.

During the European Cancer Summit 2025, the manifesto was unveiled, underscoring the urgent need to tackle the rising burden of digestive disorders in the continent. These issues contribute significantly to the mortality and disability rates, with digestive diseases cited as a leading cause of death in Europe. However, advancements in prevention, early detection, and care equality remain alarmingly inconsistent.

According to Professor Patrizia Burra, chair of UEG's Public Affairs Group, “Digestive diseases pose a monumental challenge for millions across Europe, impacting not only patients but also their families and healthcare systems as a whole.” The manifesto highlights the importance of fostering a collaborative culture where patient experiences influence research priorities and clinical decisions.

Key Areas of Focus

The manifesto identifies three priority areas designed to instigate substantial changes in digest health management:

1. Cancer Care in Digestive Health

Digestive cancers account for more than 700,000 deaths per year in UEG member states, making up over a third of cancer-related mortality. The manifesto advocates for enhanced prevention and screening practices, improved integration of primary care, and increased public awareness for early detection.

2. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs)

Promoting frameworks for patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) is essential to recognize the real-life impact of digestive diseases and treatments. The manifesto calls for co-designed, standardized, and inclusive PROM frameworks, ensuring that quality of life becomes central to medical assessment, decision-making, and reimbursement policies.

3. Patient Involvement in Clinical Trials

Engaging patients in clinical trials not only improves the design and ethics of these studies but also ensures their relevance in clinical practices. The manifesto encourages equitable access through decentralized trials, alongside the establishment of a “Patient Participation Trial” designation to recognize best practices and foster training initiatives for researchers.

A Call to Action for European Policymakers

In partnership with various organizations like AOECS, DiCE, ECPO, ELPA, the EOS Network, IFCCA, ILCM, and PCE, the UEG implores European institutions, national authorities, and research organizations to take action by:

1. Recognizing patient collaboration as crucial for digestive health policy formulation.
2. Adopting common European frameworks for PROMs, patient involvement in clinical trials, and cancer prevention.
3. Supporting the coordinated promotion and implementation of the manifesto's proposals.

As highlighted by Professor Burra, transforming digestive health across Europe necessitates more than scientific progress. “It calls for trust, collaboration, and shared accountability. Involving patients at every step transforms prevention, treatment, and innovation into solutions that genuinely cater to the needs of the public,” she affirmed.

The Digestive Health Roundtable Manifesto serves not only as a plea for recognition but also as a roadmap towards an inclusive and effective health system that prioritizes patient voices in decision-making processes surrounding digestive health.