Patient speaking for patients: What constitutes genuine patient input into pharmaceutical policymaking?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to recognize the vital reasons for including public and patient voices in health policy decision-making, but illustrates the challenge it creates for decision-makers who must consider whether those voices represent patient interests or corporate interests.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes the form of a narrative review.

Findings

The history of flibanserin, a controversial new drug to treat a debatable condition, illustrates how a public relations campaign could circumvent the well-established process to weigh evidence of potential harm vs benefit by one of the most robust drug regulators in the world.

Practical implications

It is both vital to recognize a fundamental problem that exists when corporate interests deceptively assume the mantle of “the patient voice” and then act to reduce that influence while supporting and building capacity in genuinely independent, consumer-focused activities.

Originality/value

This paper suggests that organizations interested in consumer protection and the safe and cost-effective use of health resources create policies and procedures that can foster genuine consumer involvement while recognizing the danger to patient safety and consumer interests when consumer involvement is hijacked by vested interests.

Citation

Cassels, A. (2016), "Patient speaking for patients: What constitutes genuine patient input into pharmaceutical policymaking?", International Journal of Health Governance, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 89-95. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHG-02-2016-0014