The 2018 SIP Thematic Network provided a unique opportunity to create new synergies and break silos. SIP is now collaborating with the Joint Action of the European Commission CHRODIS Plus which aims to implement pilot projects and generate practical lessons in the area of chronic diseases. Through CHRODIS+ 42 Partners representing 21 European countries collaborate to implement pilot projects and generate practical lessons in the field of chronic diseases.
SIP is represented by our partner Pain Alliance Europe (PAE) and is particularly involved in the Work Package (WP) 8 on Employment and Chronic Conditions. As chronic pain is the number one reason for workplace absenteeism and disability in the EU, it has been identified as one of four key issues for patients with chronic pain in the SIP Joint Statement.
WP 8 works to:
- improve work access and participation of people with chronic diseases;
- support employers in implementing health promotion and chronic disease prevention activities in the workplaces, and
- reinforce the ability of decision-makers to create policies that improve access, reintegration, maintenance and stay at work of people with chronic diseases.
Joop van Griensven, President of PAE, represents SIP at the CHRODIS+ meetings. The first meeting on “Employment in the Multi-morbidity Chronic Care Model” took place on 28th February at the Policlinico Gemelli in Rome, Italy.
Individuals with chronic diseases and mental health issues often experience work related problems, leading to negative consequences at individual and national level. CHRODIS+ is working on strategies to address this and is developing tools to improve participation of these patients in the labour market. WP 8 has organised, in collaboration with Work Package 6, the Multimorbidity Care Model expert meeting to address the following topics:
- the problems faced by chronic disease patients with multimorbidity;
- how employment might impact on the care process of these patients, and
- how to raise awareness among employers.
Participants learned about the other Work Package through introductory presentations by Dr. Matilde Leonardi, Leader WP8 (Italy) and from Dr. Rokas Navickas, co-leader of WP6 (Lithuania). They then had the opportunity to hear from experts on the different aspects of the topic and to deep dive into discussions on the integration of employment issues for patients with chronic diseases into the Multimorbidity Care Model (all presentations available here).
Millions of Europeans with non-communicable diseases, such as chronic pain patients, will benefit from a more holistic biopsychosocial, inclusive approach.
The final output of this expert meeting will be a document to aid the introduction of employment into the Multimorbidity Care Model. This will be a step towards providing innovate care pathways for patients with multimorbidity and chronic diseases.
Learn more about SIP Thematic Network to find out why CHRODIS+ and SIP are collaborating:
– First, second and closing Webinar of the Thematic Network Programme;
– Future steps for SIP after the Thematic Network Programme.