It’s been a busy start to 2018 for the European Federation of Neurological Associations [EFNA].
Training Initiatives for Neurology Advocates
Already, there has been two workshops as part of its Training Initiatives for Neurology Advocates [TINA]– with both including dystonia delegates.
The first was another national workshop in Romania, to celebrate Brain Awareness Week 2018. This focused on the brain, cognition and personalized medicines.
The second was a pan-European event at the Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon which explored patient preferences and perspectives on ‘value’. This two-day meeting was held in partnership with the European Brain Council, and featured a joint session to discuss the EBC’s Value of Treatment study. Other presentations focused on Health Technology Assessment, Patient Reported Outcomes Measures and Value Added Medicines. Reports and presentations from these events can be accessed at: https://www.efna.net/tina/
The next workshop will take place in Berlin on July 6th and 7th and will explore Science for Advocates, in partnership with the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies. The aim is to upskill advocates in how they can access, understand and communicate credible scientific evidence to improve their advocacy activities.
There will also be a regional meeting for central and eastern European countries in Bucharest on October 14th and 15th. The theme is ‘Cooperation Beyond Borders’ and it will explore how EU initiatives can be leveraged and implemented at the national level – in terms of funding and policy.
EFNA board of directors
MEP Interest Group on Brain, Mind and Pain Disorders
In the first half of 2018, there have been two meetings of this MEP Interest Group.
The first took place in February and focused on how the EU could #MakeWorkWork for young people living with brain, mind and pain disorders. The second explored how Patient Relevant Outcome Measures could be optimized to ensure strong economies and sustainable healthcare systems. The reports of these meetings can be found at: www.brainmindpain.eu
The final meeting on 2018 will take place on November 21st and will explore the Future of Healthcare in Europe for Brain, Mind and Pain. The aim will be to assess the progress of the interest group during the current parliamentary term, and to discuss where the policy focus should lie in advance of, and following, the EU election in 2019.
Young People and Health Advocacy
In 2018, EFNA has focused on raising awareness of the issues affecting young adults (18-35) living with neurological disorders. The results of a survey conducted in recent months will be disseminated on World Brain Day 2018 (July 22nd) via the #lifegoals vs. #brainlifegoals social media campaign. The aim will be to highlight the goals of those living with brain disorders in comparison to those who are not affected. The dystonia community are encouraged to join in! Keep an eye on our website to find out more closer to the date: https://www.efna.net/young-advocates/
Preliminary survey results were presented at the annual congress of the European Academy of Neurology, at EFNA’s stand in the exhibition centre. Dystonia Europe board member, Adam Kalinowski, was one of the young advocates manning the stand.
On November 19th and 20th in Brussels, we will be hosting a workshop for young advocates – aged 1835. We will explore the theme of: Health Advocacy in the Digital World, and we would encourage young people living with dystonia to come along.
Wider Engagement
EFNA has also been busy representing its members externally.
For example: The Annual Congress of the European Academy of Neurology from June 16th to 19th, saw an EFNA stand in the exhibition centre, a special session, presentations at the Scientific Theatre, patient choice sessions, patient participation on the scientific panels and task forces, EFNA representation on the training & education and communications committees, meetings with the leadership and so on! EFNA’s own general assembly took place to coincide, with active participation from Dystonia Europe throughout.
EFNA’s annual partners meeting will take place on Friday, September 21st in Brussels – with a dinner the evening before. Here there will be discussions on the operational plan for 2019 – and the new strategic plan which will come into effect in 2020. And of course the perspective from the Dystonia community will be welcomed and integrated into the work!
EFNA Executive Director Donna Walsh
Written by:
Donna Walsh
Executive Director
EFNA
