EFPIA - The Informed Patient

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Home > Roadmap of Priorities: AIMS > The Informed Patient

Health information for Europe’s citizens.

EU institutions, healthcare stakeholders and EU citizens seem to agree since many years that communication with patients and the general public on health issues and prescription medicines should be improved with the objective of having better informed patients. Information can contribute to prevention, early diagnosis, better treatment of disease as well as improved adherence. Enhanced access for all citizens to non-promotional, high-quality health information and greater participation of well-informed patients in decisions affecting their health will therefore lead to healthier societies around Europe.

However, a European solution to this existing European challenge remains outstanding. Therefore, EFPIA calls on policy-makers to improve access for all European patients and citizens to high-quality health and medicines information in their own language. Many Europeans are still disadvantaged in accessing information they need. Together with other respected partners, the pharmaceutical industry can play an essential role in the provision of high-quality health information.

EFPIA’s general position regarding the provision of non-promotional information on prescription medicines:

European citizens expect and deserve a modern and comprehensive EU information strategy that will truly benefit them and help to improve public health.

Access for all EU citizens and patients to non-promotional health and medicines information in their language must be improved. EFPIA does not consider Direct-to-Consumer Advertising as an appropriate model for Europe.

Access to high quality medicines information from multiple sources is needed, including from the pharmaceutical industry, respecting the highest quality standards. Information should be judged by its actual quality, not the source providing it.

Availability of, and access to high-quality medicines information in all languages via the internet must be enhanced, while recognising the need for non-electronic tools for parts of the population and for improving access to such tools.

Public Private Partnerships, involving a range of healthcare stakeholders, could be one part of a comprehensive strategy.

Legislative reform at EU level is needed with the primary goal of giving the same opportunities to all EU citizens, taking into account positive experiences gained at individual Member State level.

Self-regulatory schemes with efficient governance and enforcement procedures (including third party involvement) would be the most practical and beneficial way forward, provided that an adequate legislative frame is put in place allowing the provision of high quality information from multiple sources. This approach would help ensuring that information to patients on prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases meets the highest quality standards and provides the greatest benefits to patients.

EFPIA Position Papers:

Latest update:

EFPIA comments on the current EU debate on better Information for Patients
(April 2010)

It is widely recognised that the current lack of EU-harmonisation in citizens’ access to health and medicines information has led to unequal access to such information and legal uncertainty for manufacturers. EFPIA therefore supports any steps that improve access for all EU citizens to high-quality information on health and prescription medicines when they seek it - regardless of language, age, culture and ability to access the internet.
EFPIA Position Paper on Commission's Proposal on Patient Information (March 2009)
- EFPIA Questions & Answers on Information to Patients (January 2009)

Press Releases:

Pharmaceutical Package - an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to the safety of Europe's citizens - Press Release (17 February 2009)
Newly adopted pharmaceutical package recognises importance of pharmaceutical industry - need to ensure patient safety is key - Press Release (10 December 2008)
EFPIA calls on EU institutions to reform Patient Information rules without further delay - European industry does not support TV, radio and print mass media for prescription medicines - Press Release (7 April 2008)

Further Press releases available here...

EFPIA Key Messages:

Non-adherence to medical treatment - studies and estimations (July 2009)
EFPIA views on Patient Information - Europe needs a modern and comprehensive Health Information Strategy, which benefits all EU citizens (February 2008)
The Value of Health Information (September 2005)
Enhancing the provision of health information to patients in Europe: A policy memorandum (June 2004)

Contributions:

EFPIA Contribution to the European Commission Public Consultation on a legal proposal on Information to Patients (April 2008)
- EC Consultation - legal proposal on Information to Patients (February 2008)
EFPIA contribution to the EC Consultation on draft report on current practices with regard to the provision of information to patients on medicinal products (June 2007)
- Consultation on the Draft report on current practices with regard to the provision of Information to Patients on medicinal products (April 2007)
Health Related Information to Patients: EFPIA Contribution to the High-level Pharmaceutical Forum Public Consultation (May 2007)
Public-private partnerships and the provision of health information: suggestions for actions (November 2003)

EFPIA Guidelines:

Information on prescription-only medicines for patients and the public: EFPIA principles and guidance notes (November 2005)
Information on prescription-only medicines for patients and the public - EFPIA principles and guidance notes - Q&A (June 2006)
Guidelines for Internet websites available to health professionals, patients and the public in the EU (October 2001)

Documents & Links

The Public Health Portal of the European Union