The Patient Forum is a platform for dialogue and exchange on topics relevant to patients regarding the regulation of medicines and medical devices. It was established by the HPRA to give Irish patients a voice in the regulatory process, especially in areas of patient safety, licensing and use, and in how the Authority communicates with wider society. The forum is based on a partnership approach to empowering patients so their experience and perspectives are heard, acknowledged and actioned to bring about positive improvements in the regulation of health products.
The Terms of Reference for the forum sets out that, together with the HPRA, the forum will prepare a rolling work plan, which includes areas of common interest to patients and the HPRA, and which is aligned with the purpose of the forum.
The work plan will be regularly reviewed, including progress against agreed actions, and updated as necessary.
This work plan for 2022 was discussed by the HPRA and members of the forum at a meeting on 14 December 2021.
Topics
As the inaugural year of the forum following establishment, the focus for 2022 is to deepen the engagement between HPRA and forum members, as well as to explore topics identified as being a priority.
The forum agreed to focus on work related to HPRA culture and values and adverse event reporting as core topics for 2022. In addition, if feasible, topics related to the online sale of health products and coordination of the management of shortages will be further explored, possibly by way of separate workshops. Further details on each of these topics are provided below.
The Patient Forum rolling workplan for 2022 is available to download.