At each EFIC Congress, we provide Refresher Courses that are complimentary for registered delegates. These Courses cover important fundamentals of pain science ranging from molecular and systems biology to clinical sciences and psychology. The lectures not only provide state-of-the-art material, they are also designed to provide a true refreshing of understanding for the non-expert in the field under review.

Here is why you should attend the #EFIC2019 Refresher Courses:

The European Pain Federation EFIC has always been dedicated to bio-psycho-social concepts of pain and inter-disciplinarity. Encouraging all attendees of #EFIC2019 to understand different approaches to pain management is one of the main priorities of EFIC. Pain in Europe XI is the largest scientific congress on pain in 2019, bringing together the most recognized experts in the field of pain medicine to exchange knowledge, ideas and the latest advances in the field. Here is how #EFIC2019 will be “Bringing the Future to the Present”: 

The European Pain Federation EFIC has always been dedicated to bio-psycho-social concepts of pain and inter-disciplinarity. Encouraging all attendees of #EFIC2019 to understand different approaches to pain management is one of the main priorities of EFIC.

The current EFIC President Prof. Bart Morlion made it one of the main issues of his presidency to have a patient-centric approach and increase EFIC’s engagement with representatives of people living with chronic pain. This is reflected in the #EFIC2019 programme with a whole track dedicated to patient-focused topics which have been identified by patient representatives. However, patient representatives are sometimes inadvertently excluded from medical society meetings on the basis of cost. So to promote access to #EFIC2019, members of patient organisations are this year entitled to a discounted attendance rate.

People living with chronic pain will provide different perspectives of the patient experience including issues related to their quality of life e.g. family life/relationships, intimacy, family planning as well as practical tools to get the most out of their consultation with doctors. Sessions will also touch upon adherence to prescription and management techniques including physical activity and self-management. Patient perspective will also be offered on important real world issues such as ‘How to Live and Work with Chronic Pain’, and communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

Representatives of people with pain will not just be present in the scientific programmes. We will also count on the presence of our partners from patient organisations in the exhibitor area and we are proud to have received abstract submissions for our poster presentation focusing on patient-led work in the area of advocacy. Furthermore, EFIC aims to provide streamed sessions of interest to the patient community online and our plenary speakers will give patient-focused talks on the main topic from their lectures in user-friendly language accessible to a lay audience.

To conclude, when a healthcare professional and a chronic pain patient are in dialogue, it is a meeting of two experts. The HCP is the expert in clinical issues but the patient is the expert on how their pain affects their life, and therefore how treatment and management plans should be developed to optimise the quality of life of the patient.  #EFIC2019 is therefore seeking to ensure the integration of patient organisations and representatives of people living with chronic pain in a way which respects this expertise and the exciting added value it will surely bring to the congress as a whole.

Neil Betteridge
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Over the past months, we have asked experts from EFIC to tell us more about the #EFIC2019 Congress. Watch their interviews and find out more about the #EFIC2019 Refresher Courses and how allied professionals can benefit from attending the congress.

Register for #EFIC2019

Abstracts are the lifeblood of any scientific meeting. Presenting your work via a poster or oral presentation can often be a first step for a researcher in their academic career. The more abstracts submitted to a congress, the stronger the grassroots of the scientific community and the more fertile the research environment.

1,100 submitted abstracts for #EFIC2019

We are therefore delighted to have received over 1,100 abstracts so far for ‘Pain in Europe XI, Bringing the future to the present’. This is an increase of over 25% on 2017, the year of our last congress. We would like to thank every EFIC Councillor and volunteer who helped promote the congress ahead of the abstract deadline, and look forward to seeing the results of this increase in Valencia in September.

What happens next?

The abstracts will now be reviewed by the Scientific Programme Committee and our Working Group on Grants and Prizes. Professor Barbara Przewlocka will lead a process in identifying prizes to be distributed at the congress itself. We thank once again Versus Arthritis, a UK registered charity, who have partnered with us to provide funding for the prizes. As a reminder, prizes are available for best abstract in four categories; 1) Pain Syndromes, 2) Basics in Pain, 3) Diagnosis and Measurement in Pain, and 4) Pain Therapies. In addition, four prizes are available for presenters under the age of 35 from each of these categories.

We hope the research presented in Valencia leads towards breakthroughs that transform the lives of people living with pain.

As you may already know, #EFIC2019 is taking place in beautiful Valencia, Spain. To respond to the many wishes of our delegates, there will also be several sessions completely in Spanish. 

Find out more about the sesiones en español below and let us know which ones you will be participating in.

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Como ya sabéis, #EFIC2019 se estará celebrando en la preciosa Valencia, España. Para responder a los muchos deseos de nuestros delegados, también habrá varias sesiones completamente en español. 

Averigüe más sobre las sesiones en español a continuación y háganos saber en cuáles participará.

Entre el viernes 6 de septiembre y el sábado 7, podrás participar en cuatro mesas donde abordaremos temas de especial interés tanto para clínicos como investigadores básicos.

Mesa 1: Síndrome de cirugía fallida de columna. ¿Las técnicas intervencionistas pueden ayudarnos?
Friday, 6 September, 10:30-12:00

Con la limitada eficacia de los fármacos, la intolerancia a ellos y a la rehabilitación funcional en poblaciones frágiles, nuevas soluciones como la epidurolisis, epiduroscopia o la neuroestimulación, han cobrado protagonismo en los últimos años. El tiempo ha pasado y la experiencia apoyada en la evidencia, nos orienta a indicar las que realmente funcionan. Ven a conocer la realidad y el futuro de estas técnicas.

Mesa 2: Las bases del dolor que nos lo explican todo
Friday, 6 September, 14:30-16:00

Aspiramos a conocer con exactitud qué sucede en nuestro sistema nervioso cuando tenemos dolor. Mucho hemos avanzado en modelos pre-clínicos pero no tanto en humanos. En esta mesa exploraremos dónde estamos y cómo se está utilizando la información actual para diseñar nuevos fármacos.

Mesa 3: Dolor Miofascial
Friday, 6 September, 16:30-18:00

El dolor miofascial sigue siendo una entidad poco definida probablemente por la dificultad de comprobar con pruebas de imagen y neurofisiológicas los conocidos puntos gatillo. Muchas terapias desde la rehabilitación hasta la punción e inyección son altamente efectivos. Pongamos claridad a lo que estamos haciendo.

Mesa 4: Sensibilización Central… ¿un proceso multidisciplinar?
Saturday, 7 September, 10:45-12:15

La sensibilización central es un fenómeno claramente demostrado en animales de experimentación, pero solo una entidad clínica con escasa información confirmatoria en los humanos. El cómo podemos asegurar que un paciente padece dolor y su intensidad, sigue siendo un área en desarrollo, más aún cuando el dolor se hace difuso y/o independiente de la causa primaria. En esta mesa vamos a clarificar estos conceptos, cómo podemos sospechar que un paciente está desarrollando un fenómeno de sensibilización central y qué entidades que cursan con dolor nociplástico caben en esta definición.

The deadline for submitting your abstract is getting closer and closer: You only have until February 28, 2019 to submit your abstract to #EFIC2019! But why should you submit an abstract at all? Good question. We put together a list of five reasons why you definitely should not miss this opportunity.

1. Make a difference.

By sharing your work, you increase the knowledge of professionals in the fields of pain research and pain medicine attending the conference, thus making a difference in the lives of patients and healthcare professionals in the field of pain medicine. This way, you can also have your say on the Congress program, guided by the theme: “Bringing the Future to the Present”.

2. Advance your career.

Become well-known in the field by increasing exposure for your latest findings. Submitting an abstract and holding a talk has many advantages for your scientific career: You get to improve your presentation skills and showcase your hard work at an amazing conference with your peers. Furthermore, you have the chance to advance your career by receiving useful feedback from specialists and researchers.

3. Take it from local to global.

Take the next step from local research towards international collaboration. At #EFIC2019, there will be guided poster walks during main poster sessions where chairs will lead a group of interested people around pre-selected posters, giving presenters a few minutes to present and answer questions. This is a great opportunity to hear what other people are working on, identify potential collaborators, and keep up-to-date.

4. Expand your international network.

By discussing your findings with other leading experts from around the world you get to expand your international network. This is your chance to disseminate your research ideas and advertise yourself. Discussions following a talk can lead to future collaborations, and giving the right talk at the right time can lead to many exciting opportunities.

5. Be awarded.

Become one of the recipients of the Best Abstract Award awarded with the generous co-financing of Versus Arthritis for presenting an outstanding abstract. Winners will receive a cash prize and free registration and costs at the following EFIC congress. This is also a great addition to your resume helping you stand out among other potential job candidates.

Are you ready? Then let’s go! We cannot wait to find out more about your work and research.

As a large international congress focusing on all types of pain and their treatment, #EFIC2019 is made up of events such as lectures, workshops and poster presentations. They are the source of new scientific and clinical developments, state-of-the-art research as well as inspiring discussions. Another highly motivating and enjoyable aspect of the Congress?  The prizes and awards which are handed out during the Congress. As in previous years, in Valencia we plan to highlight the many talented and dedicated professionals working in pain.

Best Abstract Prizes
The European Pain Federation EFIC awards those who present their work at the congress via posters and oral presentations. Prizes will be awarded for the best abstracts amongst our four main congress topics; 1) Pain Syndromes, 2) Basics in Pain, 3) Diagnosis and Measurement in Pain, and 4) Pain Therapies. To win, authors have to provide a high level of presented research likely to make the biggest impact on their field. The winners of this category will be announced during the #EFIC2019 Closing Ceremony. Winners will receive a cash prize and free registration and costs at the following EFIC congress.

The EFIC-Grünenthal-Grant (E-G-G)
The EFIC-GRÜNENTHAL GRANT (E-G-G) is an important project for EFIC. The competition is held every two years, and the winners are selected by the EFIC Research Committee. During the #EFIC2019 opening ceremony, the winners of the EFIC-Grünenthal-Grant will be announced. We also take the time to present scientific achievements of the winners of previous editions of the E-G-G. The session is entitled “New Findings in Clinical Pain Research” and takes place during the congress. Here, we hope the audience is inspired and encouraged to follow previous winners and apply for an E-G-G themselves. You can find more information on the Grant here.

EJP Award
Finally, EFIC will also provide awards for the best papers published in the European Journal of Pain (EJP) in the previous two years. There are two awards; one for the best basic and translational research paper, and one for the best clinical research paper. The winners are shortlisted by the EJP editorial board from the previous two calendar years, and the winners are chosen by the Research Committee. Winners will receive a cash prize and free registration and costs at the following EFIC congress.

Want to be one of the #EFIC2019 award winners?
 If you now feel inspired to share your research, don’t hesitate: Submit your abstract to #EFIC2019 right away! This is your chance to present your work in front of your peers and mentors, and as this year’s motto is “Bringing the Future to the Present”, we are very excited about your work and research.  The deadline (Thursday, 28 February 2019) is approaching fast! Find out more here or view the list of possible abstract topics here.

While these prizes are definitely a great honour and being recognized amongst your peers is always a wonderful experience, let’s not forget the biggest reward available to everyone attending #EFIC2019: The opportunity to acquire a vast amount of new information and new ideas that enrich your scientific work and to connect with mentors and peers from all over the world.

Barbara Przewlocka
Chair of Research Committee Working Group on Grants and Prizes

“EFIC on the Move” in Valencia at #EFIC2019

“If physical activity was a drug it would be classed as a wonder drug.”
Professor Dame Sue Bailey, Chair of the Academy of Royal Medical Colleges, 2015

Why chronic pain prevention through physical activity deserve more attention?

Some well-known health benefits of regular physical activity include a reduced risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and improved mental health. What is less well-known is that greater levels of physical activity and exercise are also associated with a lower risk of developing chronic pain.

#EFIC2019 is the only large international congress focusing entirely on pain; all types of pain and their treatment. As we all know, medicine is evolving in a fast-changing world; like all other fields, pain medicine is changing. By focusing on not only treating but also preventing pain we look at pain from all sides and angles while simultaneously bearing in mind that budget challenges in Europe mean new pressures on healthcare delivery.

What is EFIC on the move?

Launched in 2017 by European Pain Federation EFIC President Bart Morlion, the campaign “EFIC on the Move” raises awareness of the importance of physical activity in preventing primary and secondary pain. A working group chaired by EFIC President Elect Brona Fullen has been working on the scientific and educational content of an international campaign that will launch shortly and run through all of 2019 along with a dedicated event at #EFIC2019 in Valencia.

The campaign’s goals are to ensure that all healthcare professionals are aware of the physical activity recommendations and that they advise patients about the significant benefits that come with increasing their activity levels in either the prevention or management of pain. To achieve this requires knowledge, motivation, a physical environment that facilitates change and a plan that helps patients to persevere.

“What makes you move?” Practicing what we preach at #EFIC2019

At #EFIC2019, we plan on including an interactive section where physiotherapists, doctors and patients discuss how to better inform and motivate patients on the importance of physical activity. We also want to practice what we preach by staying active during the congress in Valencia and sharing our physical activities with our peers on social media. Increasing one’s own physical activity does not have to be difficult: simply take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk or cycle rather  than taking the car/public transport can start to bring about changes.

European Pain Federation EFIC

#EFIC2019: Bringing the Future to the Present with Our Scientific Programme

When planning a pain management congress the size of ours, many different factors have to be taken into account. These include, but are not limited to the location, the venue, the range of key note multidisciplinary speakers. At the heart of our congress is of course scientific programme.

Here is where we compile a list of workshops, lectures and refresher courses to provide congress participants with a comprehensive and diverse programme that disseminates the most up to date pain science and evidence-based chronic pain management to the multidisciplinary audience. With the creation of the European Pain Federation Diploma in Pain Medicine (EDPM) and the European Pain Federation Diploma in Pain Physiotherapy (EDPP) we have taken the first steps to improve the standard of pain assessment and treatment through the provision of a qualification for all medical and allied health professionals that tests their broad understanding of all types of chronic pain management and their treatment.

To support these healthcare professionals wishing to prepare to take the EDPM and EDPP we plan to ensure that key topics are included in the #EFIC2019 scientific programme of our pain congress.

The EDPM is open to all qualified doctors who see and treat pain. Residents and fellows working in multidisciplinary pain centres or multidisciplinary pain clinics are ideal candidates, though the qualification is open to all doctors, specialists or general practitioners, with an interest in pain and its management.

The EDPP is open to all qualified physiotherapists who see and treat people with pain. Demonstrable possession of a Physiotherapy Degree or Diploma is required, as well as evidence of registration with your national authority or professional body to certify your status as a physiotherapist.

For further details please contact secretary@efic.org. All information will be available on our website soon!

Brona Fullen
Honorary Secretary / President Elect
European Pain Federation EFIC