Patient Organisation Profile
- Founded/Established in and Short synopsis of aims and objectives
The European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP) represents more than 700,000 people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Europe. EMSP was founded in 1989 and over the years gained the support of 40 national MS member societies from 35 European countries. EMSP is firmly committed to an ultimate vision of a world without MS.
We work on a three-pillar approach to ensure that people with MS have a real voice in determining their own objectives and priorities:
- campaigning through advocacy and awareness-raising;
- collecting and sharing knowledge and expertise;
- encouraging research and data collection.
- Major achievements/ongoing work
The needs of people with MS are the main focus of our advocacy and awareness raising campaigns. Our flagship projects aim to improve quality of life as well as access to treatment, care and employment.
One of EMSP latest project so-called Ready for Work responds to this aim. Our vision is that “Workability” (supporting people into employment) should become a priority outcome of the clinical care. This will lead to maximising work productivity, inclusiveness and therapeutic benefits for the patient. In pursuing this aim we will raise awareness of the importance of improving ‘brain health’ (e.g. better cognitive performance and reduced mental fatigue in the context of work).
EMSP and The Work Foundation of Lancaster University launched a new guide to help health care professionals (HCPs) talk about the benefits of work when consulting people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This document advises neurologists and other clinicians on how to convey the positive effects of work to MS patients. The Guide is endorsed by the European Committee for Treatment and Research in MS (ECTRIMS) and by Rehabilitation in MS (RiMS).
You can find out more: http://.www.emsp.org/projects/ready-for-work/
- Outline of plans for 2017 – focus on major awareness day or activity
EMSP will held its Annual Spring Conference on the 19th and 20th May, in Athens. The theme of the 2017 Conference is: The Path to Resilience: A Multidisciplinary Approach.
The event will bring together people with MS, advocacy organisations, healthcare professionals and researchers, alongside policy-makers from across Europe to offer a dynamic mix of presentations, sessions and debates.
The first day of the conference will cover a broad range of topics on the latest therapies and access to innovative MS treatments. A particular focus will be the MS treatment decisions for women alongside an interactive presentation of the latest edition our MS Barometer. The conference will also feature an update on the most recent developments of the International Progressive MS Alliance from the MS International Federation. The second day, co-organised by Rehabilitation in MS will address vocational rehabilitation, fatigue and cognitive rehabilitation.
Registrations are still open here.
On the 31st May 2017, we will also celebrate the World MS Day – officially marked on the last Wednesday of May every year. It brings the global MS community together to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with and for everyone affected by MS. The theme this year will be “Life with MS”. For our activities planned for the day, please follow us:
www.emsp.org | @eumsplatform | eumsplatform
Statement of importance of working with physicians(/EAN) and comment on what a patient organisation – such as EMSP – can bring to a scientific panel.
(LESS THAN 100 WORDS)
Since 1989, EMSP has developed solid foundations as a leading patients organisation not only on the European scene with an active involvement in impactful advocacy campaigns and participation in relevant health fora, but also as a valuable partner and contributor to scientific activities to progress further the fight against MS.
EMSP fills in the gap between the patients and the healthcare professionals by facilitating discussions and conveying messages from one to another and ensuring that the tools needed to support this collaboration are developed and implemented (e.g. data collection systems for MS; guideline for healthcare professionals to support better outcome of clinical care).
- You can find out more about who we are and who we represent here:
http://www.emsp.org/about-us/executive-committee/
http://www.emsp.org/contact/our-members/
- Should you wish to know more, please get in touch with:
Elisabeth Kasilingam, EMSP Managing Director: elisabeth.kasilingam@emsp.org
Or visit our website at:
www.emsp.org
You can also keep up to date with us on social media here:
https://www.facebook.com/eumsplatform
https://twitter.com/eumsplatform
https://www.youtube.com/user/emspvideos
