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Fit for Work Europe (FfW) is an initiative based on groundbreaking studies which examine the impact omusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) on an individual's ability to work and, therefore, the impact of MSDs on economieand society as a whole. The FfW Coalition, founded in 2010 is a unique multi-stakeholder platform which bringtogether patients, physicians, policymakers and society representatives, all of whom believe in the importance of earl

intervention, prevention and management of MSDs in the workplace. The vision of FfW is to shift MSDs from beingdisabling conditions to manageable conditions, ensuring that more European citizens stay in work or return to work,while helping to improve the sustainability of Europe's health and social care systems.

Co-President Welcome Chronic Conditions Reflection Process

EU and National Governments are currently debatinghow to tackle the burden of chronic conditions. On 15

April FfW Europe responded to the EuropeanCommission's DG for Health and Consumersinvitation to stakeholder's to provide input into theChronic Conditions Reflection Process. The FfWsubmission highlighted the importance of including

MSDs in National action plans on Chronic Conditions.

This was a unique opportunity for NationalGovernments and key stakeholders to drive the policydebate on chronic conditions at EU level, which willultimately help to influence and shape National policiesand approaches for better managing chronic conditionsand improving patient outcomes. Did you know thatFfW statistics have already been referenced in thepreliminary work, included as part of an informalconsultation with European NGOs? (page 7, number 14

clickhere).

What can you do?We need to join together and call on NationalGovernments to include optimal care and managementof MSDs in their plans for chronic conditions. If youhave any suggestions on how you could help pushforward recommendations in your country or would likefurther information on the reflection process, get intouch via fitforwork@webershandwick.com.

FfW Europe Coalition News/Events

2012 got off to a flying start, with more and more policymakers and politicians discussing healthy ageing &demographic change, tackling societal challenges, and innovation & research all 'buzz' words for the aims ofHorizon2020. FfW Europe is continuing to engage on these issues; leading the drive for change in policy and practice wherepossible, and raising awareness of the social, physical and economic impact of MSDs on European citizens.

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On 20 March, FfW participated in the European Parliament Interest Group meeting onRheumatic and Musculoskeletal diseases. Co-President of FfW Europe and Member of EuropeanParliament, Antonyia Parvanova (ALDE) (pictured to the right), called on National Governmentsand the European Commission, as part of their horizontal reflection on chronic diseases, todevelop a strategy on MSDs calling for National Plans, the need for better research, and greaterawareness of comorbidity and mobility issues of people with MSDs. FfW strongly advocates the

development of National MSD Plans as a fundamental step for each country to help establish anoptimal approach to managing these conditions.

Keep an eye on the FfW Twitter handle and website for the latest Europe Coalition news, including outcomes fromthe European Commission's Innovation in Healthcare without Borders event on 16 & 17 April and FfW'sparticipation at the High Level Conference on EU Health Programmes, taking place 3 May.

The FfW Latvian Report was launched on 28 March, with the support of The Work Foundation and the Latvian FfWCoalition. Karlis Shadurskis, Member of the European Parliament and Patron of FfW Latvia insisted that 'health policymust be aimed at the early diagnosis of this disease, its treatment, rehabilitation and opportunities for people to returnto work sooner'. MSDs are costing Latvia between 90-360 million per year!

The European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations aims to heighten awareness of thecontribution that older people make to society. It seeks to promote active ageing through independent living,participation in society and employment. Part of active ageing is healthy ageing. In March, FfW Co-President AntonyiaParvanova contributed to an independent study by the Economist Intelligence Unit, 'Never too early, Tacklingchronic disease to extend healthy life years'. This study outlines possible ways to manage the rising tide ofchronic diseases, which in turn can extend healthy life years in Europe.

Spotlight on

Switzerland. is leading the way in tackling the impact of MSDs onthe Swiss workforceFounded in May 2010, the FfW Swiss Coalition (fitforwork-swiss) has broughttogether a wide range of diverse stakeholders from different disciplines to

discuss the impact of MSDs on citizens and the economic costs. At the end of2011, they focused on two flagship projects: a publication on different forms ofMSDs and their treatments and, more recently, a Work Capacity Tool. In 2012,

they will launch an evaluation of work capacity tool for physicians: the 'Wocado tool' provides an estimate on ability towork, as well as providing advice for people with MSDs. Fitforwork-swiss will use this to ensure an emphasis on'abilities' instead of 'disabilities'. You can find more information about these two new projects through the followinglink.

Next month, we will have more exciting developments from FfW National Coalitions. For any questions on FFWNational Coalitions, please do get in touch with the Fit for Work Europe Secretariat at fitforwork@webershandwick.com

FfW Online A note from Ireland

As FfW expands across Europe and now even globally(with a recent National Coalition meeting taking place inJapan), it remains crucial to stay connected. Over thelast couple of months the FfW Twitter handle hasreally taken off, gaining over 100 followers and withTweets now able to reach approx. 56,000 users including Members of the European Parliament,European Commissioners, key experts, and influentialmedia.

What can you do?Always include the Twitter (and website) links in yourFfW-related activity, as well as re-tweeting us! If you

This year a host of ourNational and EuropeanFfW supporters willcontribute their thoughtsand expertise, through aseries of thoughtprovoking blogs.

For our first FfW Bulletin,John Church, CEO of

Arthritis Ireland and aNational Fit for Work Ambassador, discusses the FfW

Irish programme in his post: 'Fit for Work, Timing isEverything!'. John looks at how National FfWprogrammes are even more relevant in a time of

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can, please let us know which of you are on Twitter andwho we should follow in your country. Please send yourTwitter updates to ffweurope@webershandwick.com.

Don't forget to regularlycheck out the website forlatest research, news and

blog posts from our Co-Presidents, Coalitionmembers and other keystakeholders. If you havea post for FfW, get intouch via the above emailaddress.

economic recession, as well as outlining the everevolving roles of government and employers. Johndemonstrates how FfW can be a central cog in ensuringpeople with MSDs are treated early and can return towork in a timely manner discussing Irish experienceat trying to reduce the impact of work absenteeismnationally which costs 750 million per year! The Irish

FfW Coalition is a leading example on how nationalactivities can effectively drive change.

Don't forget to check out the next issue Sarah Bazin,European Region of the World Confederation forPhysical Therapy (ER-WCPT) will discuss the Role ofPhysiotherapists!

Looking Ahead

Our next bulletin will be shared with you in May, where we will discuss progress on the Chronic Conditions ReflectionProcess, our upcoming roundtable on Early Intervention Premiums and more exciting activities from FfW National

Coalitions!

The Fit for Work Europe Coalition enjoys the patronage of:

The Fit for Work Europe Coalition works to promote a multi-stakeholder dialogue on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to drive clinical practice and health and work policythat will improve the quality of working life for people with MSDs. Fit for Work is a partnership of organizations and individuals, and enjoys the patronage of The Work

Foundation, the Bone and Joint Decade, EULAR and RAND Europe, and a broad range of stakeholders. The Fit for Work Europe Coalition is supported by an ongoing grantfrom Abbott--a founding partner--and a supporting grant from GE Healthcare.