The "Societal Impact of Pain" (SIP) is an international platform created in 2010 as a joint initiative of EFIC and the pharmaceutical Grünenthal GmbH and aims for
- raising awareness of the relevance of the impact that pain has on our societies, health and economic systems
- exchanging information and sharing best-practices across all member states of the European Union
- developing and fostering European-wide policy strategies & activities for an improved pain care in Europe (Pain Policy).
The platform provides opportunities for discussion for health care professionals, pain advocacy groups, politicians, insurances, representatives of health authorities, regulators and budget holders.
The scientific framework of SIP is under the responsibility of the European Federation of IASP® Chapters (EFIC®). The pharmaceutical company Grünenthal GmbH is responsible for funding and non-financial support (e.g. logistical support). The scientific aims of the SIP symposia have been endorsed by a large number of international and national pain advocacy groups, scientific organisations and authorities