UEG Launches Patient Advisory Board to Strengthen Patient Voice

United European Gastroenterology (UEG) has established a new Patient Representatives Advisory Board (PRAB) to amplify the voice of patients in digestive health.

Launched in Barcelona on October 18, 2026, the PRAB signifies UEG's commitment to increasing the role of individuals living with digestive diseases in its work. This board will serve as a dedicated platform for incorporating patient insights into UEG's public affairs and broader initiatives.

By creating a formal interface between UEG and the European patient community, the PRAB aims to identify common challenges across various digestive diseases and foster collaboration with patient organizations. This initiative builds on UEG's prior engagement with patient groups, supporting the goal of recognizing patients as co-creators in digestive health policy, research, and care.

Professor Joost PH Drenth, UEG President, highlighted the council's importance: "If we are to improve digestive health in a way that genuinely meets patient needs, their perspectives must be considered from the outset." The board offers UEG a direct channel to listen, learn, and work together, ensuring patient voices inform the organization's priorities and actions.

The PRAB was launched during a digestive health roundtable discussion where patient representatives engaged with clinicians and researchers on integrating patient perspectives into research. Discussions covered patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and research lifecycle engagement.