Patient-centredness refers to the deliberate and systematic integration of patients’ preferences, perspectives and lived experiences into the research and innovation (R&I) process. Within health R&I, the concept has gained increasing recognition and visibility across the EU. However, its practical implementation remains limited and fragmented.
This study explores how patient-centredness is understood and applied in R&I across the European Union. Drawing on case studies from Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, and insights from a range of stakeholders, it aims to inform future policy and practice. While patient-centredness is gaining prominence at the EU level, its implementation remains variable across Member States and funding instruments. Overall, the findings highlight both the recognised value of patient involvement in enhancing research relevance and the need for more coherent structures, definitions, and approaches to support its consistent uptake.
This study was prepared at the request of the European Parliament’s SANT Committee.
