Patient representatives from musculoskeletal / orthopaedic conditions sought to participate in new patient safety initiative on implantable medical devices
What is the initiative about?
The European Federation of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EFORT) is a platform organisation linking Europe‘s national orthopaedic associations. It is currently implementing the concept of “Implant and Patient Safety Days” as a new form of collaboration, which will integrate orthopaedic surgeons and scientists, industry partners, regulatory authorities and patients’ representatives. The initiative aims to maintain and further improve patient safety in the area of orthopaedic and trauma.
EFORT will hold an inauguration workshop in Brussels on Tuesday, 21 January 2020, when it will present the new concept and discuss important issues around development, introduction and clinical application of implants. The meeting will result in concepts for further action and communication, for example on patient information, collaborative position papers, or proposals for training and education.
If you are interested in this initiative, please email policy@eu-patient.eu by 13 December 2019.
Patient representative profile and expected tasks
EFORT are looking for 1-2 patient participants to participate in panel discussions and in informal brainstorming, as well as potentially to contribute to deliverables (guidelines, recommendations, published articles).
The patient representatives should have experience of living with musculoskeletal/orthopaedic conditions or related health issues, and ideally be in a position to represent the views of a wider patient community.
Funding and reimbursement
The organiser is a scientific organisation and the initiative is not funded by industry or other third party funding in order to maintain full independence. EFORT cannot offer a fee to the patient participants but it can offer coverage of travel and accommodation costs if needed.
Background information
EFORT states that “orthopaedic surgeons use a huge variety of medical devices for the treatment of musculosceletal disorders and injuries in order to improve the well-being of patients. Medical device manufacturing industry collaborates with orthopaedic surgeons and scientists in order to develop, improve and train the appropriate use of implants and technology. All activities aim to achieve the highest possible level of patient safety.
Nevertheless, introduction of the new EU Medical Device Regulation will have a significant impact on manufacturing and introduction of new devices into the market as well as continuous use of already established implants. Therefore it is necessary, to discuss the consequences for patients, surgeons and manufacturers, and to support future implementation in close contact with regulatory authorities.”
Interested?
Contact EPF and express your interest with a short explanation of how you can contribute as a patient representative. Please email policy@eu-patient.eu by 13 December 2019.