Last week, our Executive Director, Nigel Olisa, participated in the Boehringer Ingelheim Global Patient Partnership Summit (GPPS) in Barcelona, which focused on the role of patient experience data in shaping healthcare transformation and policy.

In the discussions, we emphasised the importance of trust as a foundation for collecting and using patient data. Building this trust requires more than good intentions as it depends on transparent processes, respectful engagement, and clear communication about how data will be used. Many patients remain understandably cautious, raising concerns around privacy, the potential misuse of information, and uncertainty over whether their contributions will lead to meaningful change.

The summit also provided a space for cross-sector exchange. We engaged with organisations working in various areas, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, kidney conditions, and cancer, many of whom acknowledged the need to address mental health as part of a more integrated approach to care. It is increasingly clear that mental and physical health cannot be treated separately, and a more holistic, person-centred approach is essential.

As a collective of patient organisations, we also contributed to the early development of an upcoming white paper ahead of the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health in September. This paper will outline recommendations to support the implementation of the UN Political Declaration, with a particular focus on ensuring that patient perspectives are embedded in policy development from the start.

GAMIAN-Europe remains committed to working collaboratively with partners across sectors to ensure mental health is included in wider health strategies, from policy and research to service design and implementation.

For more information on GAMIAN-Europe’s ongoing projects and initiatives, please follow its social media LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube.