The Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming International Coeliac Disease Symposium (ICDS), taking place in Sheffield, UK, from September 5-7, 2024. This event will gather top researchers from around the world to share the latest insights into coeliac disease, a condition that affects millions of people globally. As always, AOECS will ensure that the patient's perspective is well represented at this important gathering.
Floris van Overveld to Speak on Patient Experience
Our vice chair, Floris van Overveld, has been invited to speak on Saturday, September 7, during a scientific forum focused on clinical trial endpoints. His participation underscores our commitment to advocating for the needs and concerns of people living with coeliac disease.
In his remarks, Floris van Overveld will emphasize the crucial role of patient experience in shaping research and treatment approaches. "I have huge respect and am thankful for all these researchers that are putting their heart and soul into unraveling coeliac disease, finding a cure, and improving treatments. Yet, on the other hand, the reality for many people with coeliac disease is that they see their doctor for 20 minutes a year—if they are lucky—and for the rest, they are on their own," he notes.
Highlighting the Social Impact of Coeliac Disease
Floris will also address the social challenges that come with managing coeliac disease, particularly the difficulties imposed by the strict gluten-free diet. "Obviously, coeliac disease is a medical condition, but it is as much a social condition. Due to the only available treatment, the gluten-free diet, patients are their own pharmacists in the supermarket. Moreover, the diet imposes a lot of social barriers and challenges," he explains.
A Call for Broader Research Focus
At ICDS 2024, Floris van Overveld will call on the scientific community to broaden their focus, advocating not just for a cure but also for research that helps current patients navigate the everyday realities of living with coeliac disease. "We should not only focus on the cure but also on how we can help current patients with coeliac disease to cope with the risks and challenges they face every day," he says.
As AOECS, we are committed to ensuring that the voices of those living with coeliac disease are heard and that their needs are at the forefront of scientific and medical discussions. We look forward to contributing to this critical dialogue at the International Coeliac Disease Symposium 2024.