EULAR International PARE Working Group
Building a global network for RMD awareness, prevention, and patient-centred care.
The International PARE Working Group is committed to making a meaningful impact in the world of RMDs by fostering global collaboration and promoting patient-centred care. Operating under the PARE Sub-Committee "Community Relations" and reporting to the EULAR PARE Committee, the group is led by Dieter Wiek, the EULAR PARE International Collaboration Liaison Officer.
Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs) pose significant challenges across the globe. These challenges, though universal, require tailored solutions that account for regional differences. The International PARE Working Group is dedicated to addressing these issues through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches.
The key challenges we are tackling include:
- Shortage of Rheumatologists and Health Professionals: There is a global shortage of specialists, leading to long waiting times and limited access to care. We work on initiatives to increase the availability of trained healthcare professionals in the field of RMDs.
- Delayed Diagnosis: Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, but delays are common due to a lack of awareness and resources. We advocate for better diagnostic processes and patient education to reduce these delays.
- Access to Medication: Many patients face barriers to accessing necessary medications, whether due to cost, availability, or policy. We strive to make essential treatments more accessible to all.
- Access to Non-Pharmacological Treatment: Non-drug therapies, such as physical therapy and lifestyle changes, are critical in managing RMDs, yet access to these treatments can be limited. We work to ensure these options are available to everyone.
- Patient Involvement in Research and Healthcare Policy: Patients should be at the centre of RMD research and policy-making. We seek for greater patient involvement, ensuring their voices shape the future of healthcare.
Our overarching mission is to contribute to a world where RMDs are recognised, prevented, and cured. We strive to ensure that patient-centredness is an integral part of healthcare delivery globally.
To achieve this, we focus on the following specific objectives:
Global Connections
We connect and exchange knowledge with national patient organisations and continental networks from every corner of the globe, beyond Europe.
Building Networks
Step by step, we are developing a network of globally active national patient organisations, national umbrella organisations, and continental organisations.
Collaborative Projects
We initiate and support collaborative projects in the fields of education, research, quality of care, congresses, and advocacy, promoting a unified approach to RMD care.
Sharing Best Practices
We share and implement best practices aimed at developing and supporting patient organisations and pan-continental networks, ensuring they thrive and grow.
Promoting Access
We advocate for and promote access to RMD conferences and congresses worldwide, ensuring that patient voices are heard and represented.
Related Information
EULAR Recommendations
The EULAR Committees regularly establish and publish recommendations for the treatment of various rheumatic disorders. Each of these recommendations are developed by a Task Force of specialists in their field.
PARE Newsletters
Each year, PARE produces newsletters which are distributed to the PARE member organisations, updating the network on all activities related to patients.
Subscribe to the EULAR PARE Newsletter
The EULAR PARE Community
EULAR PARE is the network of national organisations of People with Arthritis/Rheumatism across Europe, united to ensure the voice of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) is heard and has influence among decision makers within Europe, and create powerful alliances that will make a difference to their lives.
About the Edgar Stene Prize
First awarded in June 1975 during the EULAR European Congress of Rheumatology in Helsinki-Finland, the Edgar Stene Prize was created by EULAR to honour the memory of Edgar W Stene.