Advancing Patient Engagement: A Global Conversation on Collaboration and Impact
Presented by the HBA Patient Centricity Affinity Group in partnership with International Society of Patient Engagement Professionals (ISPEP).
Authored by Arlene Marie Karole
The HBA Patient Centricity Affinity Group is proud to present highlights from the recent session, Advancing Patient Engagement: A Global Virtual Collaboration with the International Society of Patient Engagement Professionals—held on Tuesday, 13 January. The session provided practical takeaways, proven real-world approaches, and engaging, expert-led discussions.
Event Overview
The HBA Patient Centricity Global Affinity Group hosted a dynamic virtual event in collaboration with International Society of Patient Engagement Professionals (ISPEP). The session brought together global stakeholders committed to advancing patient engagement as a critical driver of better healthcare outcomes. The program featured a blend of organizational updates, strategic insights, and forward-looking initiatives, highlighting the growing importance of patient-centric approaches across the healthcare and life sciences ecosystem.
Setting the Stage: Collaboration and Leadership
The session opened with updates from group leadership, Chairperson, Dorothea Sanchez, including reflections on ongoing transitions and continued collaboration across the team. She shared the 2026 vision, outlining the group's goals, and commitment to empowering its members by fostering leadership growth through a steadfast focus on the patient experience as a comprehensive and core business model. Director of Programming and moderator, Trish Hanrahan, then guided attendees through the agenda, and then welcomed Arlene Marie Karole, Program Committee Member and Tri-State Regional Liaison, who provided a brief orientation for attendees, and introduced our speakers.
Featured Speakers
The program kicked off our two outstanding speakers Emma Sutcliffe, Founder and Chief Patient Officer, ISPEP and Alexandra (Alex) Charge, Chief Executive Officer, ISPEP and together, they shared their backgrounds and outlined the presentation's focus on the evolution of patient engagement and ISPEP's role in advancing it globally, including case studies and current campaigns and brought incredible insight and energy to the program.
Program Overview
Patient centricity and patient engagement are critical on a global scale because they ensure healthcare systems, treatments, and innovations are designed around real patient needs, experiences, and outcomes—not just clinical or commercial priorities. By actively involving patients, organizations can develop more effective therapies, improve adherence, enhance trust, and ultimately drive better health outcomes across diverse populations. Globally, this approach also helps address disparities, elevates the patient voice in decision-making, and creates more sustainable, human-centered healthcare systems that deliver value for individuals and society alike.
With over 75 participants the program drew a global audience—demonstrating the widespread interest and shared commitment to advancing patient centricity in healthcare.
A central focus of the session was the evolution and professionalization of patient engagement. ISPEP representatives shared insights into how the field is rapidly advancing, emphasizing a “triple win” approach:
- Better medicines
- Improved care pathways
- Meaningful societal impact
This framework reinforced the idea that patient engagement is no longer optional—it is essential to delivering value across the healthcare continuum.
ISPEP’s Mission and Global Growth
Our speakers shared ISPEP was founded in 2024 and is dedicated to professionalizing the role of patient engagement professionals (PEPs) worldwide and shared their mission centers on empowering professionals through education and training, advancing industry standards and demonstrating measurable impact through research and collaboration.
The organization has experienced remarkable growth, now encompassing over 450 organizations and more than 1,100 global members addressing that their initiatives such as “Voice to Value” studies and masterclasses are helping quantify and elevate the role of patient engagement across industries.
Impact in Action: Key Initiatives and Campaigns
The event highlighted several impactful ISPEP initiatives including:
- International Patient Engagement Day, a global movement that united stakeholders under the theme “Carry the Change,” driving widespread participation and awareness.
- Masterclasses and Professional Development, programs designed to support both personal and professional growth, equipping PEPs with the skills needed to lead effectively.
- “ISPEP Has Your Back” Campaign
A timely initiative offering support, resources, and community connection for professionals impacted by workforce changes—reinforcing ISPEP’s commitment to its members.
ISPEP also introduced its newly formed advisory board, composed of leaders across patient engagement, clinical research, and biopharma reflecting a strategic commitment to: expanding the global community, strengthening professional development pathways and driving business and patient impact through certification and collaboration. As a not-for-profit organization, ISPEP continues to be powered by its members, partners, and supporters—all aligned around advancing patient engagement as a recognized discipline.
In conclusion
This virtual program highlighted the power of global collaboration in advancing patient engagement. Through shared insights, strategic alignment, and a collective commitment to meaningful impact, the session reinforced how initiatives led by groups as the Patient Centricity Global Affinity Group and ISPEP are shaping a future where patient voices are not only heard—but actively inform innovation, decision-making, and improved healthcare outcomes worldwide.
Grateful Acknowledgment
With heartfelt gratitude, we thank our incredible speakers, Emma Sutcliffe and Alexandra Charge for generously dedicating their time and sharing their invaluable expertise. Your contributions transformed this program into a truly dynamic, enriching, and inspiring experience for all.
Great appreciation to our HBA Patient Centricity Affinity Group team who made this event possible, including Dorothea Sanchez, Farah Meghji, Lola Okemeta, Patricia Hanrahan, Clare Carroll and Janine Welen
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Meet Our Team: HBA Patient Centricity Affinity Group Executive Committee