WG1

WG1 will organise the interaction with patients and patient organisations. This interaction goes beyond the dissemination of research results to these target groups. The patients and patient organisations will also provide input for setting the research agenda and prioritising topics for research identified by patients. A second important theme is the translation of exciting (fundamental) scientific results to the clinic, with the key objective of contributing to reducing the increasing burden of OA in society. This can be achieved by both primary prevention as well as new means to reduce the impact and progression of established OA.

WG1: Patient engagement & information programme on AO

Objective:

To engage with patients and to identify novel and effective approaches to engage with patients and patient representation groups.

Task 1.1: Give patients a voice in research planning, including all activities of EU-netwOArk.

Task 1.2: Experiment with social media “influencers” / patient experts alongside more traditional patient organisations to improve the communication between patients, clinicians, and researchers.

Task 1.3: Give patients a prominent place in the conferences, workshops and training schools of EU- netwOArk, both in dedicated patient workshops as well as contributing to clinical and scientific sessions.

Task 1.4: Survey OA patients across Europe to assess their level of understanding of their condition and determine what they know about treatment guidelines.