EPF is inviting you to a Capacity Building Workshop: “Building patients’ expertise on medical devices: Promoting better devices and meaningful engagement.”

Format & dates

• In-person workshop (full day): Brussels, 17 March 2026 (at the EPF offices)

• Follow-up online workshops: 2 sessions (1.5–2 hours each, dates TBC)

• Target: 20 participants

Of note, the in-person workshop will take place the day after an event organised by the European Commission on “Medical Devices: Innovation and Patient Safety”. If you are interested in attending the Commission event, you need to register separately at the following link: https://health.ec.europa.eu/events/medical-devices-innovation-and-patient-safety-2026-03-16_en

How to register

1. Complete the registration form

1. You will receive confirmation from EPF within a few days,

1. If your registration is accepted, we will share practical information and the EPF Travel & Reimbursement Policy (including maximum travel limits). Please note that participants are expected to organise and book their own travel, and eligible costs can be reimbursed after the event in line with the policy. Please do not book any travels before you receive confirmation of your registration.

Registration deadline: 23 February 2026

The form includes a short self-assessment (4 questions), a question on your learning needs, and one question on your interest in the ongoing revision of the medical devices regulations. Please find below an overview of the agenda as it currently stands.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

With best regards,

Laura Paddock

Membership and Governance Officer
European Patients’ Forum (EPF)

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Agenda overview (17 March 2026 – subject to change):

• Welcome & introductions: objectives, learning outcomes, and brief Q&A/clarifications following the EC meeting the day before.

• Session 1 – Medical Devices 101 & EU framework: what counts as a medical device, who does what, and an overview of MDR/IVDR with a focus on what matters for patients and the ongoing review.

• EUDAMED focus: what the database is, what the public section will include (incl. demo if possible), and how to raise patient awareness and use.

• Post-market surveillance: how vigilance/reporting works, current challenges and opportunities, plus a short practical exercise on reporting an incident “from a patient’s shoes.”

• Concluding policy discussion: what a more patient-centred medical device regulatory system should look like, followed by key learnings, next steps, and closing.