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EPF and CPME leaders meet to agree a new Patient-Doctor Dialogue at EU level

On 13th September 2007 the executive committees of the European Patients Forum (EPF) and the European Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) ^[1] held a joint meeting to explore how to work together more effectively on EU health policy and projects.

The session was organised in the context of CPME's ongoing reflection on the best way to dialogue with patients and how to take this forward, and EPF’s strategic plan which includes promoting partnerships with key health professional groups.

The meeting proposed possible working methods and various themes, such as ‘information to patients’, and ‘ethics’, on which the organizations could take forward joint projects.

All participants valued highly the opportunity to discuss major issues in depth in a constructive and positive way, and the very fruitful and honest exchange of views.

The day resulted in a firm commitment for EPF and CPME to work together more closely, and to agree a set of principles and work plan to take this forward.

CPME President, Daniel Mart said “ We are very pleased to achieve at EU level what we do every day in our practices –a constructive dialogue with patients”.

EPF President, Anders Olauson said of the day “This is, in a way, a historic development – the start of a very exciting cooperation that will bring dividends for both our organisations and our members”.

 A working group is being set up to develop the set of principles that will be agreed by both organizations’ Annual General Assemblies in Spring 2008, and to launch work on a core project.

It is composed of the most representative non-governmental national medical organisations in EU/EEA countries, that is to say 30 National Medical Associations. It also unites associated members, observers and associated organisations (specialised European medical organisations).