Learning strategies for laypeople to participate in health technology assessment: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES

To provide an overview of learning strategies that health technology assessment (HTA) agencies use worldwide to educate laypeople about HTA.

METHODS

A scoping review focused on learning strategies to educate laypeople about HTA using the Joanna Briggs Institute frameworks was conducted across databases and gray literature. The study reviewed qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies from four databases, including practice documents from the HTA and health organization websites.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies were included in this review. The United Kingdom, Spain, and Canada mainly contributed to knowledge about educating laypeople in HTA. The main strategies employed were conference-like events, educational materials, training, and plain language. International HTA and health agencies developed courses, online training, and guidance materials to increase laypeople's participation in the HTA process.

CONCLUSIONS

Efforts to improve public involvement in HTA focus on structured consultations, digital platforms, and capacity-building to enhance accessibility. Strategies like workshops and plain language aim to encourage lay participation, but challenges such as technical complexity and limited resources persist. Despite these challenges, incorporating patient perspectives has increased research relevance and public trust. Future studies should examine standardized frameworks for involvement, the impact of lay participation on policy, and solutions to barriers to a more equitable HTA process.