EWSLETTER Elections at the 2012 General Meeting of the European Region of the The following candidates were elected by the delegates at the 8th General Meeting of the ER- held on 17-19 May 2012, in St. Julians, Malta: Chairman of the ER- Sarah Bazin, U.K. (elected in 2010) 1st Vice Chairman of the ER- Roland Craps, Belgium 2nd Vice Chairman of the ER- Sonia Souto, Spain Treasurer Bodo Schlag, Germany (elected in 2010) Regional Representative Johnny Kuhr, Denmark (elected in 2010) 1st Alternate Member Maarit Keskinen, Finlad 2nd Alternate Member Jacek Luniewski, Poland. Regional Alternate John Xerri de Caro, Malta Elected Auditors for the 2012 GM Portugal and Switzerland Members of the Executive Committee from the left: First Vice Chairman, Roland Craps (Belgium) Second Vice Chairman, Sonia Souto (Spain) General Secretary, David Gorría (Spain) Regional Representative, Johnny Kuhr (Denmark) Treasurer, Bodo Schlag (Germany) Chairman, Sarah Bazin (U.K.) 3rd European Congress on Physiotherapy Education and post congress seminar The ER- and Physio Austria would like gently remind you about the 3rd Education Congress on Physiotherapy Education and Post Congress seminar for ER- delegates (8-10 November 2012) Registration can be made by the below link https://esociety.netkey.at/sreg/physio/www/index.php A half-day Post-Congress meeting for ER- delegates following the Congress will also take place at Symposion Rainers Hotel, on 10 November 2012. A registration form for this event will be sent to ER- Mos. The Executive has agreed to offer financial support from the Reserve Fund to the Member Organisations with less than 1.500 members that need financial support to attend the 3rd Education Congress and post congress seminar. 1
Working Groups Members 2012-2014 The Executive Committee is pleased to present the chosen members for the ER- working group for the period 2012 2014. The selection was made recognising the need for membership continuity and the candidate s skills. All the Member Organisations who nominated candidates are thanked by the Executive Committee for encouraging participation in the further development of Physiotherapy. Education Matters Working Group Sonia Souto Chairman Silke Gruber, Austria Camilla Wikström-Grotell, Finland Dominique Mizera, France Antonio Lopes, Portugal Charlotte Häger, Sweden Helena Johnson, United Kingdom EU Matters Working Group Roland Craps Chairman Silvia Meriaux-Kratochvila, Austria Francis Hebting, France Anna Kukka, Finland Maria Busuttil, Malta Wietse Groenink, Netherlands Natalie Beswetherick, U.K. Professional Issues Working Group Sarah Bazin Chairman Karen Langvad, Denmark Ulrike Steinecke, Germany Esther-Mary D'Arcy, Ireland Marie-Paule Anzia, Luxembourg Victorine de Graaf, Netherlands Roland Paillex, Switzerland General Meeting of the European Region of the in 2014 The Executive Committee of the European Region of the is pleased to announce that the next General Meeting of the European Region in 2014 will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark on 8 10 May 2014 and hosted by the Danske Fysioterapeuter. Summary of the Executive Committee Meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark on 9-10 June 2012 After the 8th General Meeting of the European Region, which took place in May 2012 in Malta, the last Executive Committee Meeting of the European Region focused primarily on the feedback from the meeting, on future activities for the period 2012 2014, and the appointment of the members to the four working groups for this period. The meeting also discussed the next regional event; 3rd Education Congress on Physiotherapy Education in November 2012 and the modernisation of the Directive on Recognition of Professional Qualifications. The work programme for the period 2012-2014 of three working groups as recommended by the 2012 GM was reviewed by the Executive Committee and agreed as follows: Education Matters Working Group ER- Foundation Working Group Roland Craps Chairman Charlotte Häger, Sweden Education WG Esther-Mary D'Arcy, Ireland Professional Issues WG Victorine de Graaf, Netherlands Professional Issues WG Silvia Meriaux-Kratochvila, Austria EU Matters WG obtaining information about developments regarding levels and quality of education, follow up other health professions developments, and future perspectives in line with the briefing papers and statements. 1. To keep updated the inventory on Physiotherapy Entry Level of Education within the ER-. 2. To identify indicators to follow up Masters programmes in Physiotherapy within the ER-. 3. To develop the European vision for CPD, in conjunction with the PI WG. 4. To review the topic of Specialisation and consider revising the report on Specialisation approved in 2006. 5. To review the topic of quality assurance procedures in physiotherapy education and consider possible actions, including exploring On an overall level the WG should identify ways of 2
the role of international accreditation as well as considering the development of European guidelines and improve the existing tool kit resources to support Quality Assurance process. 6. To monitor the ranking process within Higher Education at national and International levels. 7. To update the Policy Statement on Physiotherapy Education and align it with the Briefing paper of Research and Research Careers in Physiotherapy in Europe. 8. To identify priority research issues and possible opportunities for action by the ER- in relation to the European foundation in collaboration to the rest of the WGs of the ER- 9. To continue facilitating closer links and cooperation with ENPHE and other relevant entities related with physiotherapy education. 10. To contribute to the completion of the 3rd European Congress on Physiotherapy Education. 11. To prepare the organisation of the 4th European Congress on Physiotherapy Education to take place in 2016. 12. To identify information to be included on the ER website, under the button of education, relating to all education levels, research and EBP. 13. Monitor the information about education, displayed at the web pages of the Mo s. 14. To collaborate with the EU WG in the modernisation of the Directive for professional Qualifications 2005/36/EU. Professional Issues Working Group Ÿ To map good examples & to include recommendations from the discussion session 3. To promote the Briefing paper - Active and Healthy, the role of the Physical Therapist in Physical Activity and emphasise the value of the physiotherapists involvement in health promotion and disease prevention. To update as require this file. 4. To follow developments of the use of volunteer workers and their impact on health care employment (in collaboration with the EU Matters WG) 5. To explore the feasibility of holding an Advancing scope of practice conference and its impact. Collaborate Internal (6 7) 6. With the Education Matters WG Ÿ Follow up the Continuous Professional Development activity within the Member Organisations, in the work place and continue to monitor developments in reregistration, re-certification and develop a framework that all MO s can relate to. 7. With the EU Matters WG on responses to EU legislation to the profession of Physiotherapy and the users of its services. Collaborate External (8 9) 8. With the European Forum for Primary Care 9. With the Fit for Work Europe Coalition To monitor (10 14) Active Points (1 5) 1. Clinical Guidelines and Multidisciplinary Guidelines: Ÿ To continue collaboration in Clinical Guideline development, collecting the evidence, dissemination and implementation Ÿ To maintain involvement with GIN Ÿ To hold a 3rd Conference on Clinical G u i d e l i n e s i n 2 0 1 4. F o c u s o n implementation; this may be organised with other health professionals, politicians and patient s organisations. Ÿ To keep the clinical and multidisciplinary guidelines database updated every year 2. P r o m o t e t h e r o l e a n d p o s i t i o n o f physiotherapists in the ER-. Ÿ Evidence Based good Practice promotion statements (Collaboration in development of promotion statements based on evidence based practice) Ÿ Promote the role of Physiotherapists as first contact practitioners 10. The relationship and involvement of ER- MOs with Trade Unions Ÿ The next step is to find out about the situation in the countries of the MOs who did not complete the survey. Also to ascertain if there would be any advantage in view of the fact that so many MOs alliances with unions are in turn aligned to the same European wide Trade Union network. There is a need to explore the possibility of improving some relationships and possibly standardising different rules of engagement for the benefit of the individual Mos. 11. The effect of the role of insurance companies on ER- MOs and the provision of Physiotherapy 12. Observe Employment issues and their impact on the profession 13. To be a point of contact for MOs regarding professional Issues 14. The activities of European Health organisations relevant to professional issues of the ER- Ÿ Physical means versus operative techniques 3
European Union Matters Working Group 1. EU Legislation related to the profession of physiotherapy and the users of its services 1.1 Follow up developments in legislation and directives issued and/or discussed at EU level Ÿ Monitor the proposed modernisation of the Directive on Recognition of Professional qualifications in collaboration with the Education Matters WG (priority) Ÿ Monitor the development of the Directive on Patient Rights in Cross Border Health Care and the related developments of ehealth and data protection Ÿ Provide responses to consultations from the EU Commission on recent developments. 1.2 Inform and involve Member Organisations about developments Ÿ Provide regular and brief updates to Member Organisation on developments regarding directives and legislation relevant to the physiotherapy profession. Ÿ Seek responses and expert opinions from Member Organisations Ÿ Update all relevant documents concerning EU matters on the ER- website. 2. EU Policy related to the profession of physiotherapy and the users of its services 2.1 Monitor the developments Ÿ Being proactive in the field of health issues in the EU related to the 2020 Heath Strategy. Ÿ European Health Workforce and migration of Physiotherapist across Europe. Ÿ 2.2 Inform and involve Member Organisations about developments Ÿ Seek responses and expert opinions from Member Organisations Ÿ Provide responses to consultations from the EU Commission. 3. Development of information resources and policies Ÿ Refresh and review the Info-tool. Ÿ Align the ER- Strategic Plan with the Strategic Plan and to include the priority activities agreed for each of the Wgs Ÿ Review the need for the Health Policy Statement with the adoption of the Active and Healthy, the role of the Physical Therapist in Physical Activity briefing paper (2012) (and other Regional Statements) Ÿ Follow up the relationship and involvement of ER- MOs with Trade Unions Ÿ To develop a Glossary of Terms that is unique to the ER-. 4. Liaison with health professionals and organisations at EU level Ÿ EU HPF European Health Policy Forum Membership renewal 2013 (priority) Ÿ EPHA European Public Health Alliance Ÿ Other possible identified associations or networks. Cyprus Presidency of the EU Health Priorities The Cyprus Presidency of the EU started on 1 July for a period of six months until 31 December 2012. The Cyprus Presidency has presented its priorities on health as follows: In the field of public health, preparedness for and response to serious cross-border threats to health need to be improved and, hence, the Cyprus Presidency will pay particular attention to health security in the EU. The Council will continue its work on the proposal for a decision on cross border threats to health with the objective of strengthening internal EU structures, preparedness and response planning. In this context, discussions will focus on the regional dimension of health security and on the capacity building, especially in relation to the EU neighbouring countries. The Presidency will aim to reach an agreement on the proposal for the Regulation establishing the 3rd Multiannual Programme of EU action in the field of health for the period 2014 2020, namely 'Health for Growth Programme', subject to the agreement on the new Multiannual Financial framework and in line with the objectives of Europe 2020 Strategy for sustainable and inclusive growth. The Presidency will also address the issue of chronic diseases by highlighting the essential role of disease prevention, early diagnosis and health promotion programmes and by addressing main health determinants. Hence, conclusions will be prepared in order to emphasise healthy living across the lifecycle, leading to a healthy ageing process. The Presidency will also coordinate the EU position for the 5th Conference of Parties of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to be held in November 2012. The important issue of organ donation and transplantation will also be dealt with by the Presidency, which will propose relevant Council conclusions. 4
The incident of the faulty implants highlighted the need to improve the control of medical devices production and of their placing on the market. In this respect, the Presidency will initiate the discussions on the revision of the medical devices legislation. In the field of pharmaceuticals, the Presidency s main objectives are to enhance the quality of information given to patients and to establish clear and transparent procedures. This will be pursued by advancing the discussions on the proposals for the revision of the Directive relating to transparency of measures regulating the pricing of medicinal products and the revision of the Directive on clinical trials. EU platform for action on diet, physical activity and health The ER- has achieved membership of the EU platform for action on diet, physical activity and health which is a forum for European-level organisations, ranging from the food industry to consumer protection NGOs, willing to commit to tackling current trends in diet and physical activity. The idea is that, led by the Commission, the platform will provide an example of coordinated action on this HEIDI (Health in Europe: Information and Data Interface) The European Commission s Directorate-General for Health & Consumers has launched HEIDI, an internet based wiki that presents reliable and comparable data about health in the EU. Although HEIDI has been set up by the Commission, the content is written by European health experts who are responsible for their contributions and can directly upload and edit information. HEIDI is a dynamic tool that collects, updates and shares information about health in Europe, for example on health status, health determinants, systems and policies. EU Action Plan on Health Workforce problem by different parts of society that will encourage national, regional or local initiatives across Europe. The next meeting of the platform will take place on the 20th September 2012 For further information: http://ec.europa.eu/health/nutrition_physical_activity/ events/ev_20120524_en.htm The abundance of health data and indicators in the HEIDI wiki is constantly being added to and updated. The data can be sorted by year, by country and by region, allowing at-a-glace comparisons across the years and between Member States and regions in the EU. For a selection of health topics, the tool allows for the data to be presented in a variety of graphs - line chart, bar chart, map chart and table chart. For further information: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/sanco/heidi/index.php/ Main_Page On April 18 2012, the Commission adopted a Communication "Towards a job rich recovery" ( http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/health_consumer/docs/towar ds_job_rich_recovery_en.pdf) which sets out a range of measures to encourage employment and strengthen economic growth in Europe. It also identifies healthcare as one of three key sectors with a high employment potential and includes an Action Plan for the EU health workforce( http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/health_consumer/d ocs/swd_ap_eu_healthcare_workforce_en.pdf). (see IP /2012/380 http://europa.eu/rapid/pressreleasesaction.do?refere nce=ip/12/380&format=html&aged=0&language=en &guilanguage=fr). million or 8% of all jobs in the EU. Despite the economic downturn, the sector continues to grow and, with an ageing population and the rising demand for healthcare, will remain a key driver for jobs with an estimated 8 million job openings between 2010-2020. However, the sector faces major challenges at a time of severe budget constraints, including health workforce shortages and skill mismatches in many countries. (see accompanying staff working document annexed to the Communication) The Action Plan aims to assist Member States to tackle these challenges and sets out actions to foster Healthcare is highly labour intensive and one of the largest sectors in the EU, accounting for about 17 5
EU agency unveils new campaign for healthy workplaces On 18 April the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work launched the "Working together for risk prevention" campaign. It encourages organisations and management to actively engage with the workforce and their representatives to improve health and safety for all. http://www.healthy-workplaces.eu/en/ Knowledge Bag»on holiday«new Health-EU Portal online The official EU public health portal has been revamped. Its new design aims at attracting new visitors and at further raising awareness about public health issues. http://ec.europa.eu/health-eu/index_en.htm Physio Austria announces a photograph competition to send a summer picture with your Knowledge Bag. The Knowledge Bags Physio Austria advertises the 3rd European Congress on Physiotherapy Education in November 2012. They are already very popular companions in the world of physiotherapy. Send us your most exciting, funniest or most creative summer picture with your Knowledge Bag. Closing date September 15th, 2012 to congress2012@physioaustria.at or post it on the Facebook page of the education congress: http://www.facebook.com/physiotherapyeducationcongress Prices for the best pictures will be awarded at the Education Congress in November and presented on the website http://congress2012.physioaustria.at/ If you don t have a Knowledge Bag yet, you can request a free exemplar at the office of Physio Austria. We are looking forward to many pictures and Knowledge Bags on holiday and wish you a great summer! Terms and Conditions: By taking part in the contest participants consent to the use of submitted photos, especially for publication in conjunction with the 3rd European Congress on Physiotherapy. Education in the journal "inform", in advertising folders, press releases and on the Internet on the homepage or the Facebook profile of the 3rd European Congress on Physiotherapy Education. Participants will have all intellectual and other property rights with reference to the photograph and be secured in the knowledge that the publication of the photographs will not lead to any violation of intellectual property rights of third parties. The European Region of the wishes all Members a nice Sumer Holiday Period 6