Patient organisation programme

The European Lung Foundation (ELF) brings together patients, the public and respiratory professionals to positively influence lung health. ELF works all year round with a network of patient organisations in the respiratory field from across Europe.

Each year they invite national and European patient organisations, representing a wide range of respiratory diseases, to take part in the ERS International Congress.

The aim of having patient organisations at congress is to:

  • Present the patient perspective in symposia
  • Showcase the activities of patient organisations
  • Promote the role of patient organisations
  • Strengthen the European community of respiratory patient organisations
  • Encourage professionals to engage with patient organisations
  • Showcase how patient organisations are supporting Healthy Lungs for Life

2014 Patient Organisation Programme

Patient organisations and patients will have a prominent place at Congress this year, with more than 35 patient organisations from across Europe located in the exhibition within the ELF and patient organisation stand, and in the World Village.

The ELF and patient organisation area in the exhibition will be open from Sunday 7 – Tuesday 9, 09.00–18.00 and Wednesday 10, 09.00–12.00. The stands in the World Village area will be open from Sunday 8, 08.00–18.00 and Wednesday 08.00–12.00.

Events

  • Friday 5 – Sunday 7, 10.00–18.00, Odeonsplatz, Munich city centre – public lung testing and awareness activities, with patient organisations from across Germany also taking part (part of the Healthy Lungs for Life campaign)
  • Saturday 6, 17.45–21.00 – Opening ceremony and welcome reception (including presentation of the ELF Award)
  • Sunday 7, 11.30–12.30 – Patient organisation networking reception and meet the new ELF Chair
  • Monday 8 and Tuesday 9, 17.00–19.00, Munich city centre – Expert evening sessions for patients and the public (in German). Visit the website for more information and to register for these free events
  • Tuesday 9, 17.30–21.00 – Young Scientists Networking Evening (patient organisation representatives invited to attend and network)

Sessions

Patient's testimony in scientific sessions:

  • Saturday 6, 14.00–17.30 – Postgraduate Course: Smoking cessation in patients with pulmonary disorder (registration and additional payment required)
  • Monday 8, 08.30–10.30 – Symposium: COPD: from lung transplantation to regeneration
  • Monday 8, 10.45–12.45 – Asthma phenotyping: collaboration projects in Europe
  • Monday 8, 10.45–12.45 – Smoking cessation strategies
  • Monday 8, 12:50–14:40 – Patient organisation thematic poster: Historical approach in asthma patient and public education (part of the theme: Medical education, web and internet)
  • Tuesday 9, 13.00–14.00 – Patient forum: Improving CPAP and NIV – a user perspective, (registration and additional payment required)
  • Tuesday 9, 14.45–16.45 – Advances in care for patients with Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)
  • Tuesday 9, 14.45–16.45 – Technical refinements in home mechanical ventilation: what is useful? What is irritating? What is gadgetry? 
  • Tuesday 9, 14.45–16.45 – Patient organisation poster discussion: The 2000 steps a day challenge: A tailored exercise programme for lung fibrosis patients (part of the theme: Latest insights in physical activity, exercise testing and muscles)
  • Wednesday 10, 10.45–12.45 – Chronic cough: a hidden epidemic (based on ERS Task Force)

Meetings

  • Sunday 7, 12.30–14.00 – Patient Advisory Committee meeting
  • Monday 8, 11.00–12.15 – Abstract writing workshop for patient organisations, led by ERS junior members – a learning opportunity for patient organisations to develop skills in writing abstracts for conferences
  • Monday 8, 12.45–14.00 – How patients and their organisations can be involved in EMA activities (an introduction and practical demonstration)
  • Tuesday 9, 09.00–12.00 – LAM priority setting session – a workshop for people affected by the condition and people working in the field of LAM to come together to discuss how patients' priorities in research, treatment and management can be achieved

For a report on the patient organisations at ERS Congress 2013, read the article in Breathe.

If you would like to speak with someone in ELF, email Sarah Masefield , ELF Patient Relations, or visit the ELF stand in the exhibition throughout the Congress.