UEG establishes Patient Representatives Advisory Board for digestive health

United European Gastroenterology (UEG) has established a new Patient Representatives Advisory Board (PRAB). The new body aims to embed patient perspectives into UEG's public affairs activities and broader work to improve digestive health across Europe.

Launched at UEG Week 2026 in Barcelona, the PRAB marks a step in UEG's commitment to strengthening the role of individuals living with digestive diseases in its operations. This initiative builds upon UEG's prior collaboration with patient organizations, which produced a "Manifesto" advocating for patients as co-creators of digestive health policy, research, and care.

As a structured and independent advisory body, the PRAB will provide patient-centered input into UEG's public affairs and related work. By creating a formal interface between UEG and the European patient community, the board seeks to identify shared challenges in digestive diseases and foster collaboration with patient organizations.

UEG President Joost PH Drenth emphasized the necessity of including patient perspectives from the outset to improve digestive health in ways that genuinely meet patient needs. The advisory board offers a dedicated channel for listening, learning, and working together, ensuring that patient voices inform UEG's priorities and future endeavors.

The launch event included a Digestive Health Roundtable where patient representatives, clinicians, researchers, and stakeholders discussed integrating patient perspectives into research. Discussions covered topics such as patient-reported outcome measures and the development of practical toolkits.