I had the honor of representing PHA Europe at the World Symposium for Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) in Barcelona, held from June 28th until July 1st. This prestigious event brought together over 1,500 of the brightest minds in the field, providing a unique opportunity for patients and professionals to collaborate and share insights.

I was part of Task Force 1, one of 15 task forces at the symposium. We had worked continuously on this task force for over a year prior to the symposium. Our task force was privileged to open the entire conference, which was a significant gesture underscoring the importance of the patient perspective in the field of pulmonary hypertension. Our presentation, titled “The Patient Perspective,” set the tone for the event, emphasizing the crucial role that patients play in shaping healthcare policies and research priorities.

Being the first presentation, our task force had the responsibility to lead the way for the subsequent sessions. This opportunity allowed us to highlight the challenges and needs of PH patients right from the start, ensuring that these considerations were at the forefront of all discussions. The symposium served as an excellent platform for networking with other patient associations, leading healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers. Engaging in these conversations helped build relationships and foster collaborations that will benefit the PH community.

PHA Europe was well-represented with six delegates and an informational stand. The delegates were Eva Otter, Monika Tschida, Natalia Maeva, Tadeja Ravnik, Nina Kobler and me. Our stand was a hub of activity, drawing interest from many attendees keen to learn about our initiatives and advocacy efforts.

The symposium plays a critical role in establishing the guidelines for PH treatment and management. Being part of these discussions provided valuable insights into the future directions of PH care and how patient input can be integrated into these guidelines.

The presence and active participation of patients in the symposium underscored the evolving landscape of PH care, where patient voices are increasingly recognized as vital to shaping effective treatment strategies. The feedback and interactions we had during the conference were overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the importance of patient advocacy.

Looking ahead, the next World PH Symposium is scheduled for 2029. We anticipate continuing our active involvement and furthering our mission to advocate for better care and support for PH patients. The relationships and knowledge gained from this year’s symposium will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for those affected by pulmonary hypertension.

In conclusion, my participation in the World Symposium for Pulmonary Hypertension was a deeply enriching experience. It highlighted the critical role of patient perspectives in medical discourse and provided invaluable opportunities for learning and collaboration. I am grateful for the chance to represent PHA Europe and look forward to future engagements that continue to prioritize patient voices in the global health community.

Hall Skaara
July 3rd, 2024