In 2016, the European Federation of Neurological Associations [EFNA] launched its Training Initiatives for Neurology Advocates [TINA].
For many years EFNA has run workshops on Health Technology Assessment and, more recently, Pharmaceutical Policy – Pricing, Access and Reimbursement at the London School of Economics.
However, EFNA feels it is increasingly important to ensure that its training activities are targeted to the neurology sector and the specific obstacles faced therein.
Working with other stakeholders in the field e.g. neurologists, neuroscientists, industry, regulators and payers is also part of the envisaged way forward.
This approach has led to the launch of TINA in autumn-winter 2016, with three events across Europe tackling the issues mentioned above, from both a national and pan-European perspective.
The overarching theme is:
PUTTING NEUROLOGY PATIENTS AT THE HEART OF RESEARCH AND BEYOND
Prof. David B. Vodusek, Chair of EAN’s Liaison Committee and Eveline Sipido, EAN Liaison Officer attended the first pan-European event in Dublin on October 13th and 14th, 2016. Prof. Vodušek stressed the importance of patient empowerment by knowledge, because only well informed patients can be good partners in discussions on health and research.
National workshops, focussing on country-specific challenges, also form part of TINA – with a recent workshop taking place in Bucharest, and a Dutch workshop to follow in Utrecht on November 5th.
EFNA is an umbrella of pan-European disease-specific neurology patient organisations. Its slogan is ‘Empowering Neurology Patient Groups’ – which encapsulates it work under the four pillars of: advocacy, awareness, empowerment and engagement. In 2016, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EAN as its patient partner.
