BJD ANNUAL WORLD NETWORK CONFERENCE November 30 – December 1, 2008, PUNE, INDIA

1. NAN HUNGARY Key projects in 2008 The focus of key projects by the Hungarian NAN in 2008 included osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and musculoskeletal problems of the elderly. Our previous studies have clearly shown that both health professionals and the lay public lack sufficient awareness with respect to these issues, and Hungarian medical practice was not up-to date on treatment regarding the conditions. Action Summary In our patient’s education book series this year’s volume has been dedicated to osteoarthritis. Three single-day CME courses and 8 separate presentations were organized on these topics. Two education courses were organized for patients. The National Program for Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Diseases has been finalized, adopted by the NAN and submitted to the Ministry of Health. Impact The patient’s education book was launched at the annual Hungarian Book Week, raising considerable interest. It was published in 2000 copies. Individual presentations in the CME courses and patient courses enjoyed good attendance. Future Development Next year we shall be continuing CME courses on chronic pain, and will publish a new volume of patient’s education book series about this topic. We are hopeful that the government will adopt our National Programme and we commence with its realization. BJD ANNUAL WORLD NETWORK CONFERENCE November 30 – December 1, 2008, PUNE, INDIA Key patients group activities and outcome The patient groups have taken on an important role in developing the National Programme. They lobbied the Ministry of Health to accept musculoskeletal health as a health priority, especially because Hungary is the highest incidence country in the EU with regard to musculoskeletal diseases. Key interactions with ISC, other NANs, regional groups, governments The ISC was the first to inform the Hungarian NAN about our countries appalling status regarding musculoskeletal diseases. The patient’s organizations had three presentations at the EULAR Congress. The Hungarian Association of Patients with Rheumatic Diseases is hosting APOM (Arthritis Patients On the Move) 2008. On this occasion the society announced two competitions, one for patients submitting visual art products featuring their own disease, the other for the media featuring interviews conducted with arthritis patients. The key domestic interaction of the Hungarian NAN remains the ongoing consultation with Ministry of Health, which resulted in the acceptance of the National Programme and the acknowledgement of the priority of musculoskeletal diseases. Key development plan for 2009 Next year we shall continuing CME courses on chronic pain, and will publish a new volume of patient’s education book series about this topic. We are hopeful that the government will adopt our National Programme and we commence with its realization.