Make sure you are there, 14-15 May 2013

SIP 2013 Focus Groups in Brussels, Belgium

This year the SIP 2013 Focus Groups will take place in the European Parliament and the Renaissance Hotel in Brussels. Please highlight 14 - 15 May in your agenda.

After three years of SIP symposia the SIP Programme Committee organizes the first SIP 2013 Focus Groups. The Focus Groups will, in contrast to the past three symposia, concentrate on two concrete policy topics. The two topics are closely following one of the seven policy dimensions of the SIP Road Map for Action. The Focus Groups will provide a forum for inspirational key note presentations and in-depth plenary discussion.

Focus Group 1 - Pain as Quality Outcomes Indicator will take place in the Renaissance Hotel on 14 May. The objective is to build an agree upon a comprehensive, but "European-reduced" set/selection of indicators for pain management of chronic non-malignant pain. Participants shall be experts in the field of using and/or implementing pain indicators such as health care professionals and representatives of health authorities or insurances.  

Focus Group 2 - Chronic Pain in the Working Population will take place in the European Parliament on 15 May. During Focus Group 2 the significance of the EU workforce and the impact of chronic pain on the latter will be presented. The importance of both preventive measures and rehabilitation programmes will be discussed as part of an effort to ensure that the working population is able to re-enter the workforce even if they have been affected by chronic pain.

The scientific framework of SIP 2013 is under the responsibility of the European Federation of IASP® Chapters (EFIC®). The pharmaceutical company Grünenthal GmbH is responsible for funding and non-financial support (e.g. logistical support). The scientific aims of the SIP 2013 symposium have been endorsed by a large number of pain advocacy and scientific organisations.