Summary of the 12th Meeting of the European Forum on antiphospholipid antibodies ONLINE

As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the 12th meeting of the European Forum on Antiphospholipid Antibodies was held in a digital format on 26th March 2021. Even experienced for the first time in a virtual set-up, it kept its strength in continuation of the opportunity for more than 200 physicians from all continents and 20 countries to meet the experts in the field. Contemporary research in the area of antiphospholipid syndrome was presented, and proposals for the new research projects, as a distinguishing feature of the meeting, made a major contribution. Despite challenging times, this meeting enabled the highest number of registered participants to have interactive communication with presenters. This report summarizes major studies and new research projects presented during the online forum meeting.

Basic principles for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Introduction. Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is based on a chronic inflammatory hyperplastic process in the mucosa membrane of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (SNPs). According to the consensus on the biological treatment of CRSwNP with or without asthma, which is one of the latest consensus documents of the European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases (EUFOREA), which was published in December 2019, the need for surgical treatment or systemic administration of corticosteroids due to the active nasal polyps growth are conditional signs for the decompensation of clinical control. Currently, the basic treatment for patients with CRSwNP is the long-term use of intranasal corticosteroids (INCS), which leads to an improvement in the quality of life, while minimizing the risk of exacerbations and complications.Research purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of the basic therapy of intranasal glucocorticosteroid mometasone furoate for different phenotypes of CRSwNP.Methods. All patients with recurrent CRSwNP were divided into 3 equal phenotypic groups of 40 people each: group 1 – CRSwNP without asthma and respiratory allergies, group 2 – CRSwNP + atopy, group 3 – CRSwNP + non-allergic asthma. The observation period was 3 years.Results. Using the algorithm of stepwise therapy of CRSwNP, dynamic monitoring of these patients by an ENT and an allergistimmunologist, basic therapy with corticosteroids with constant treatment correction once every 3 months, it was possible to stabilize the inflammatory process throughout the respiratory tract and reduce the need for surgical treatment.Conclusion. With CRSwNP, long-term use of Mometasone furoate INCS is the main drug of basic therapy to minimize the recurrence of nasal polyp growth and is accompanied by clinical efficacy and the absence of adverse side effects.

Statement on COVID-19 from the European Forum for Primary Care: Reducing the Impacts to Vulnerable Groups

On behalf of its members and partnering institutions the European Forum for Primary Care (EFPC) has prepared this brief statement based upon four focus groups and a two-part survey. It is our intention that this statement draws attention to the impacts that the current COVID-19 pandemic will have on two vulnerable groups of society; within the field of mental health and elderly populations. Furthermore, we wish to highlight the collateral damage as a result of health systems operating within ‘COVID-19 Mode’. Based upon this statement, the EFPC has also created several messages for health policy which can be used as a rough guidance when implementing and/or creating policy.

Reha-Bericht 2019 mit Schwerpunkt Kinder- und Jugendrehabilitation

Die Deutsche Rentenversicherung stellt in ihrem jüngsten Reha-Bericht wieder wichtige Daten und Fakten zur medizinischen und beruflichen Rehabilitation zusammen. Neu hinzugekommen ist im Kapitel „Aktuelle Entwicklungen“ das Thema „Internationales“, dessen zunehmende Relevanz sich auch im Zusammenschluss des Reha-Kolloquiums 2019 mit dem Kongress des European Forum for Research in Rehabilitation (EFRR) zeigte.

European Forum for Primary Care: Position Paper for Primary Care Mental Health

There is a need for a paradigm shift across mental health in primary care to improve the lives of millions of Europeans. To contribute to this paradigm shift, the European Forum for Primary Care (EFPC-MH) working group for Mental Health, produced a Position Paper for Primary Care Mental Health outlining 14 themes that needed prioritizing. These themes were developed and discussed interactively during the EFPC conferences between 2012 and 2019. The Position Paper on Mental Health gives direction to the necessary improvements over the next ten years. The themes vary from preferable healthcare model to the social determinants highlighting issues such as inequalities. The Statement of Mental Health in Primary Care will be established in cooperation with fellow organizations.

A Collective Restorative Justice Strategy for Ireland, 2019-2023

This article reproduces in abridged form a strategy for developing restorative justice in Ireland that emerged from a symposium held in March 2019 in Maynooth University and through subsequent consultations with participants and other interested parties. The purpose of the strategy is to help embed restorative justice and restorative practices within the Irish criminal justice system, building on existing practices and stimulating new work to fill gaps in policy and practice. The strategy initiative is part of a four-year project involving ten European jurisdictions, coordinated by Maynooth University, Restorative Justice Nederland and the European Forum for Restorative Justice. The key elements of the strategy and implementation steps are set our below; changes to the original document are limited to the omission of three appendices which provided information on the background to the project, a brief overview of the current state of play of the field in Ireland and the report of the March symposium. A full copy of the complete document can be accessed at http://www.probation.ie/EN/PB/WebPages/WP19000022

Inter-professional education and primary care: EFPC position paper

Inter-professional education (IPE) can support professionals in developing their ability to work collaboratively. This position paper from the European Forum for Primary Care considers the design and implementation of IPE within primary care. This paper is based on workshops and is an evidence review of good practice. Enablers of IPE programmes are involving patients in the design and delivery, providing a holistic focus, focussing on practical actions, deploying multi-modal learning formats and activities, including more than two professions, evaluating formative and summative aspects, and encouraging team-based working. Guidance for the successful implementation of IPE is set out with examples from qualifying and continuing professional development programmes.