The Greek Patient Office A new initiative to bridge the gap

Who we are?

The Greek Patient Office currently consists of seven core urologists, but with a wide network of collaborative colleagues throughout Greece. It is a team of young scientists, with a high level of urological knowledge and scientific work, which is accompanied by a strong willingness to offer patient information and advocacy to ensure the best benefit to them. Of course, this is not a restricted and closed team, as all Greek urologists have been invited as potential collaborators and participants of the Greek Patient Office activities. The core members of the Office have scheduled meetings to discuss current issues and prospective actions.

Our aims and scope position to be sited inside HUA, providing appropriate information for visiting patients.

Limitations

Unfortunately it is not always easy and comfortable to persuade a urological society for the need of a committee, such as the Patient Office. The idea of an active patient in shared decision-making and the importance of his advocacy is probably novel for the ears, not only of urologists, but for the entire doctor society. Moreover, financial organisations and companies are currently not so familiar with such activities and events, which can make resourcing quite difficult.

Follow the Greek paradigm

There is an organised plan for the Greek Patient Office, although we do encounter some difficulties in our effort to establish it in the conscience of Greek urologists, patients, organisations, and societies. The feeling is that despite the hard work, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Our paradigm consists of a selective group of scientists, open teamwork, open ears and eyes on patients and societies, and of course challenging activities, to communicate creatively with the only subject: The Patient.

The way to our goals may seem to be labyrinthine, but we are confident that we will beat Minotaur.

HUA

Steering Committee Member, Larissa (GR) mikesamih@ hotmail.com

A high level of doctor and patient communication is vital to achieve the appropriate treatment and management of illnesses. It is essential to build a trusting relationship between patients and doctors based on the doctor’s scientific competency and the patient’s personal needs and adhesion to treatment therapies. This can create shared decision-making, giving the patient an active role in their therapeutic options.

The European Association of Urology (EAU) has already introduced the Patient Information Office, highlighting the need for patient advocacy and encouraging urologists to have meaningful discussions with their patients. Following in their footprints, the Hellenic Urological Association (HUA) recently established the Greek Patient Office for the advocacy of local urological patients.

Best practice of information sharing between the patient and urologist is our essential target and was the main reason for HUA to establish its own patient office. The basic members of the Office have the responsibility to encourage Greek urologists to be more active in discussions with their patients and give them the appropriate advocacy. On the other hand, we are trying to contact and motivate patient communities and associations to join us for informative campaigns and events, not only as simple observers, but also as active participants. This will allow us to get closer to our patients, and be able to listen carefully to their actual needs as they can express their own point of view and potential advocacy. Urologists can help with this!

Current activities

Although the Greek Patient Office is in its neonatal stage, we are already quite active organising events in collaboration with social partners, organisations, and patient associations. We are also on the way to implementing other committees within HUA to contribute with their experience and material for specific topics, such as functional urology and urological cancer. There is a gradual increase in activity in our social media accounts, with an increased number of followers. Our website development was a priority and we are already in the

Where you can find us:

Facebook: HUA Patient Office | www.facebook.com/huapatientoffice

Instagram: @huapatientoffice | www.instagram.com/huapatientoffice/

LinkedIn: HUA Patient Office | www.linkedin.com/in/hua-patient-office-31a252253/

Twitter: @HUAPatient | twitter.com/HUAPatient e-mail: patientsinfo@huanet.gr

Site: www.huanet.gr/γραφειο-ασθενων/

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