#None #Digestive Health #UEG #Patient Inclusion

Importance of Patient Engagement in Digestive Health

The recent Digestive Health Roundtable Manifesto, presented by United European Gastroenterology (UEG) alongside eight prominent patient associations at the European Cancer Summit 2025, underscores a pivotal shift in healthcare paradigms. This manifesto encourages healthcare systems across Europe to integrate patient experiences as pivotal to the development of policies, research, and clinical practices. The urgency of this initiative stems from the growing prevalence of digestive diseases, which are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality across the continent.

Understanding the Patient Perspective

Professor Patrizia Burra, Chairwoman of the UEG Public Affairs Group, articulated the pressing need for a cultural transformation in how healthcare providers regard patients. Rather than viewing them solely as recipients of care, the manifesto promotes the notion of patients as equal partners in the healthcare journey. This can yield more relevant and effective health outcomes, as the inclusion of patient insights can guide research priorities and clinical practices.

Three Key Areas for Change

The manifesto delineates three main areas where substantial improvements can be made:

1. Colorectal Cancer Prevention: Colorectal cancers result in over 700,000 deaths annually across UEG member states, accounting for more than a third of cancer-related mortality. The call to action emphasizes enhancing prevention strategies, improving primary care integrations, and raising public awareness to facilitate earlier detection.
- Campaigning for regular screenings and educational initiatives can significantly mitigate the devastating effects of these diseases.

2. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs): PROMs are essential tools that capture the real-world impacts of digestive diseases and their treatments from the patient's viewpoint. The manifesto advocates for the development of standardized and inclusive frameworks for PROMs, ensuring that quality of life is a focal aspect in healthcare assessments, decision-making processes, and reimbursement models.
- Such measures would allow for a clearer understanding of treatment effectiveness from those experiencing the symptoms firsthand.

3. Involving Patients in Clinical Trials: The active participation of patients in clinical studies is paramount for ethical and impactful research outcomes. Solutions advocated include fair access through decentralized studies, the establishment of a “Patient Inclusive Trial” label, and capacity-building initiatives for researchers.
- This involvement can enhance trial relevance and ensure the emerging treatments cater directly to patient needs.

A Call to Action for Policy Makers

The UEG, in collaboration with organizations such as AOECS, DiCE, ECPO, and others, urges European institutions and national authorities to prioritize these recommendations:

• - Acknowledge patient collaboration as a cornerstone of digestive health policy.
• - Establish unified European standards for PROMs, clinical trial participation, and cancer screening initiatives.
• - Advocate for a coordinated approach to the implementation of the manifesto’s objectives.

Professor Burra emphasizes that enhancing digestive health extends beyond scientific advancements; it necessitates building trust, fostering collaboration, and a mutual commitment among all stakeholders. When patients are integrated into every stage of healthcare development, prevention, treatment, and innovation can truly serve those affected by digestive diseases.

Thus, the manifesto not only sets a definitive agenda for healthcare reform but serves as a resounding reminder that the voices of patients must resonate throughout the corridors of power and decision-making in healthcare across Europe. With collective efforts and engaged patient participation, the future of digestive health can indeed promise better outcomes for all.