Synergizing Needs Assessments and Patient Preference Studies for Enhanced Patient-Centered Decision Making in Healthcare

Objectives Over the past decades, criticism has grown regarding the supply-driven approach of medicinal product development. In response, patient-centered methods have been developed to inform decision making. This perspective article aims to reflect on two of these methods, which are needs assessments and patient preference studies (PPSs). Methods A reflection was conducted based on existing literature and our collaborative experiences, proposing a conceptual framework that synergistically combines needs assessments and PPSs. Results Needs assessments identify unmet health-related needs from the patient and/or societal perspective, whereas PPSs determine the trade-offs patients make among treatment options. Although both methods produce patient-based evidence, their differing scopes and purposes offer complementary benefits and limitations. Combining needs assessments with PPSs can result in significant advantages by providing a holistic and in-depth understanding of patients’ needs and preferences. In their conceptual framework, the authors advocate for a sequential approach: conducting a needs assessment to identify a broad spectrum of unmet health-related needs, followed by a PPS to capture nuanced preferences guiding patients’ priorities. Although this approach enhances accuracy and relevance, practical constraints and contextual considerations may hamper its application, necessitating careful consideration of the most suitable approach based on the specific research context. Conclusions This perspective article provides clarity on the effective use of both methods in navigating patient-centered research in healthcare. It emphasizes the need for well-designed, unbiased studies applying this conceptual framework to shift from a supply-driven to a needs- and preference-driven healthcare system, ensuring that innovations align more closely with patients’ true needs and preferences.