iCEPS 2017 Conference Summary Proceedings

Summary proceedings including two plenary video presentations.

ICEPS Conference 5th edition
May 18-20, 2017, Montpellier (France)

The International Conference on the Evidence of Non-Pharmacological Interventions’ Efficacy

Non-Pharmacological Interventions (NPIs) have become essential solutions to improve the health and the quality of life, and sometimes the life expectancy of people suffering from chronic diseases or facing health risks. Recent observational studies have also highlighted the positive economic and social impact of NPIs. Therefore, an international conference should allow participants to: – share evidence of the efficacy, benefits/risk, safety and costs/effectiveness of NPIs, – discuss research protocols leading to the administration of evidence, and – understand the main action mechanisms involved in NPIs.

Preliminary Conference Summary

  • 650 participants
  • 22 exhibitions
  • 57 plenearies
  • 11 workshops
  • 61 posters

Videos of Proceedings

Watch Université de Montréal’s Dr. Lise Gauvin’s Plenary Presentation

Watch the Public Lecture on Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions with Dr. Marie Baqué-Juston, Dr. Fernand Vicari and Pr. Patrick Baqué

 

Definition of NPIs
Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) consist in products, programs or services. In most cases, they are complements to drug, biotechnical and conventional surgical treatments. They cover the following areas: nutrition, physical therapy and adapted physical activity, psychotherapy and health education.

A Major Issue
We are all familiar with people who have enjoyed the health benefits of an NPI. Nevertheless, these cases do not amount to solid evidence. The mere satisfaction of an NPI happy few cannot be generalized to the general public. Could these outcomes just be the result of a placebo effect? Are they applicable at the same “doses” to other people with the same disorders? For now, academic societies and state health authorities feel that the studies available in the scientific and medical literature do not provide sufficient evidence. They argue that what has been brought forth is merely proof of concept. As a result, policy makers and health industry financial decision-makers remain skeptical. These key players are encouraging innovators to come forward with additional evidence for the efficacy and the cost/effectiveness of NPIs in order to improve their visibility, and, ultimately, to garner more substantive private and public financial support for them.

The Role of NPIs
Are NPIs general consumer products or health products, general or care services, education programs or medical devices? Should they be freely available for sale or only via medical prescription? Are they designed to heal, cure, or alleviate chronic pain? Should they be used for relaxation, to increase autonomy, improve of quality of life and/or make people happy? Should for the costs of NPIs be fully or partially reimbursed? Should we monitor their use? Should we verify their toxicity and interference with conventional biological treatments? What better exchange forum than an international conference to share opinions and experiences?

Read more on the iCEPS website