The Swedish Rheumatism Association (SRA) attaches great importance to our education Patient School. The Patient School consists of two parts: training for health care providers and training for our members (those who can support, talk and act as a role model for groups of patients at health centers and clinics).
The SRA has initiated patient participation in an assignment that consists of evaluating treatment methods in complex and long-term pain states and also evaluating methods for treating and rehabilitating people with fibromyalgia.
The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions have initiated a National Plan for Pain and appointed a national working group called NAG Pain, which over three years will compile, evaluate and initiate a national plan for treatment and rehabilitation for pain patients. The group consists of fifteen pain experts and two patient representatives, one of whom is a member of the SRA.
The priority is to initiate a standardized procedure for care in primary care. Primary care currently has no resources or knowledge to care for pain patients. The SRA also strengthens the collaboration with the Swedish Pain Society.
The SRA initiates and meets representatives of politicians and caregivers on important issues such as rehabilitation. A good rehabilitation should strengthen and facilitates our members to return to work.
