The Expert Patient

El Paciente Experto

The Osteoarthritis Foundation International (OAFI) believes that the patient should play a very active role in managing his or her illness. Based on this principle, we have developed the program “The Expert Patient”. This initiative aims to train osteoarthritis patients to become Expert Patients in their own disease who can advise and help others who suffer from it.

The contents of the program –to be learned by the Expert Patient and then transmitted to other people concerned about their joint health– has been elaborated by a team of health professionals consisting of: family physicians, nurses, rheumatologists, rehabilitation technicians, physiotherapists and psychologists.

Their contribution has resulted in a set of informational materials that help others to better understand the disease, sharing advice on how to control weight, how to practice adequate exercises to improve joint health and how to live with the pathology and still enjoy a great quality of life.

Does this initiative sound interesting? Are you keen to collaborate with us? In that case, we encourage you to contact us by writing to this email address: info@oafifoundation.com.

“The OAFI Foundation was born to give a voice to the millions of people who suffer from a disease as devastating as osteoarthritis. With an innovative, creative and action mentality, at OAFI we have pioneering projects for treatment and research. Our motto is: WE MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!”

Dr. Josep Vergés
“The patient is the raison d'être of the International Osteoarthritis Foundation (OAFI) and is the engine that drives us to work and move forward. Being an OAFI volunteer means taking sides and helping to carry out the initiatives promoted in favor of other patients and the Society in terms of health.”

Maria Teresa Vergés
“Communication is one of the central pillars of OAFI. As patient representatives, it is our duty to bring their voice to the public sphere and, in turn, transfer them the necessary tools to better understand their disease. Our role as disseminators and awareness of osteoarthritis is essential to help them understand and accept it. In this way, we will be able to improve their quality of life and prevent future cases of the pathology.”

Cristina Nova
“In order to develop the social activity of the foundation, it is important to raise funds that allow us to act autonomously and independently. From the foundation we have to thank all the people and companies that, with their contributions, allow us to continue working every day to help people who suffer from osteoarthritis and other oestoarticular pathologies.”

Marco Bibas
“The OAFI Foundation's R&D department plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge and treatment of joint health, especially osteoarthritis. We drive the generation of new scientific knowledge, we explore new therapies and treatments, and we promote the exchange of knowledge, resources and data with organizations and researchers around the world, with the aim of improving the lives of those who suffer from this disease.”

Nina Martínez
"Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and Non-Profit Organizations (ONL), in order to undertake actions that transform and improve society, we need the Corporate Social Responsibility of companies, since financing is necessary and in application of ethics and transparency enhances donor organizations.”

Dr. Baquero Úbeda