In October 2023, the 7th cohort of the EUPATI Patient Expert Training Programme celebrated its graduation after a comprehensive year-long journey. The program concluded with a four-day, face-to-face meeting in Madrid, where participants, including myself, received our diplomas and officially became EUPATI Fellows.

The journey began about a year ago with an ambitious cohort of 130 students from around the world. The training program has grown significantly in scope, now welcoming participants from numerous continents, highlighting the increasing global importance of patient advocacy and involvement. This year, 80 dedicated students successfully graduated, representing 33 countries and a diverse array of professional and personal backgrounds.

A Comprehensive Training Programme

The EUPATI (European Patients’ Academy on Therapeutic Innovation) Patient Expert Training Programme is designed to empower patients and patient advocates with the skills and knowledge to actively engage in research and development (R&D) processes, regulatory frameworks, and health technology assessments. The training covers several critical areas, including:

• Medicines Research and Development: Participants delve into the complete lifecycle of drug development, from discovery and preclinical research to clinical trials and postmarketing surveillance.
• Clinical Trials: The program offers an in-depth understanding of clinical trial design, methodology, ethics, and regulatory requirements, allowing patient experts to contribute effectively in discussions and decision-making processes.
• Regulatory Affairs: Participants learn about the various regulatory authorities, procedures, and guidelines governing the approval and monitoring of medicines.
• Health Technology Assessment (HTA): The training equips students with the skills to understand and contribute to HTA processes, ensuring that patient perspectives are considered in evaluating new therapies and interventions.
• Pharmacovigilance: This module focuses on monitoring the safety and effectiveness of medicines in real-world settings, emphasizing the importance of patient-reported outcomes.

The comprehensive nature of the training required a significant commitment to self-study, often demanding evenings and weekends devoted to mastering the extensive materials. Each course module concluded with a test, requiring a minimum score of 70% to advance to the next module. Some tests were relatively easy to pass due to my professional experience in specific areas, while others required revisiting the study material and second or even more attempts at the test.

For those interested, all modules are available to the public through EUPATI’s Open Classroom. Feel free to explore any section of interest, although enrolment in their expert learning program is necessary to take the tests and record your results.

Building a Global Network of Patient Experts

One of the most valuable aspects of the EUPATI program is the opportunity for networking. The diversity of the student body enriched the experience, as we shared perspectives with fellow students from various fields, including pharmacies, academia, patient associations, and the medical sector (doctors, researchers, and others). These connections have established a global network of EUPATI Fellows, now numbering approximately 330, who are dedicated to making a meaningful impact in patient engagement and healthcare innovation.

The face-to-face meeting in Madrid was not only a celebratory moment but also a chance to solidify relationships, exchange ideas, and discuss potential collaborations. The atmosphere of camaraderie and shared purpose was truly inspiring, reinforcing the value of patient involvement in shaping the future of healthcare.

Looking Ahead as an EUPATI Fellow

Graduating as an EUPATI Fellow is both an honor and a responsibility. It signifies a commitment to using the knowledge and skills acquired during the program to advocate for patient needs and promote meaningful engagement in the development of therapies and policies. For me, it is an exciting opportunity to contribute more effectively in my role at PHA Europe and to collaborate with fellow EUPATI Fellows on new projects and initiatives. One of the other fellows from a previous cohort, Louise Bouman, is also involved in PHA Europe as the President of the PH Association in the Netherlands.

The EUPATI Patient Expert Training Programme is more than just an educational experience; it is a transformative journey that equips patients and advocates to become key stakeholders in the healthcare landscape. As a graduate of Cohort 7, I look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead, knowing that I am part of a growing network of empowered patient experts dedicated to making a difference.

If you are interested in becoming a EUPATI Fellow or simply completing some of their learning modules in the Open Classroom, I highly recommend checking out the EUPATI website.

Hall Skaara
Project Manager, PHA Europe
October 25th, 2024