(Brussels, 18 April 2011) The European Commission in early April 2011 has published a synthesis report that summarises the main trends and opinions received through a Consultation on the Pilot European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP AHA). The report focuses on barriers to innovation in the field of health care and gives an overview on current and planned initiatives to promote innovation on various dimensions.
More than 525 replies have been received from a broad range of stakeholders, mostly from the private sector, comprising industry (in particular belonging to the pharmaceutical sector), research, public and private health and social care providers, older people/patients' organisations, professional associations, etc..
Following an invitation to a hearing in the European Parliament on 27 January 2011, EPSU also had submitted a contribution and will continue to critically monitor the next steps of this pilot partnership coming under the Innovation Europe flagship initiative of the EU 2020 Strategy.
Respondents see the role of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing relating to four different aspects, 1) funding 2) evidence, 3) regulation and framework conditions and 4) building capacity/skills.
Ideas for action under the EIP AHA currently being shaped reflect general trends in health and social care systems. These include the inter-relationships of health and social care sectors and the rising importance of networks, both magnified with the spread of information and communication technologies (ICT), comprising local and cross-border eHealth applications.
Two types of initiatives listed are of highest interest for EPSU affiliates, the one on "Innovative ways of care" (cf. pp. 32-35 of the synthesis report) and "Continuum of care" (cf. pp. 38-41). "Innovative way of care" as understood in the context of the EIP AHA is a very broad concept that covers innovative organisation of care such as modernisation and re-organisation of care structures as well as integration of care delivery (health and social, home and self care) as well as tele-care and tele-health, whereas "continuum of care" is about health promotion, disease and disability prevention and treatment to rehabilitation.
According to the European Commission and a number of respondents, the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing could also play a role in developing a common approach to professional training by offering a platform to share knowledge on skill needs and training on various issues such as nutrition, chronic pain, health information management and practical implementation of integrated care. If this aspect will be covered and how is, however, not yet decided.
European Commission website on European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing
Read EPSU's contribution:
EPSU contribution to European Innovation Platform "Active and Healthy Ageing”
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