The nominations for the 2014 achse-central prize have been announced. Among them is the joint project "Nationwide Network Against Trigeminal Autonomous Cephalgia" by the Federal Association of Cluster Headache Self-Help Groups (CSG) e.V., the Kiel Pain Clinic, and the Techniker Krankenkasse (a German health insurance company). It is one of four nominated projects selected from approximately 20 applications.

For the fourth consecutive year, ACHSE and Central Krankenversicherung AG are awarding a prize to recognize existing projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to the care of people with rare diseases. But what exactly constitutes an “innovative approach”? People with rare diseases face unique challenges: They typically require ongoing medical care and other therapeutic support, and often need interdisciplinary treatments and psychosocial support. However, the German healthcare system is not adequately equipped to care for people with these complex conditions. “There is a lack of coordinated forms of collaboration and comprehensive concepts that ensure those affected receive expert, interdisciplinary, and, if necessary, cross-sectoral care,” says Mirjam Mann, Managing Director of ACHSE.

With the awarding of this prize, ACHSE and Central Krankenversicherung have jointly set themselves the goal of counteracting this deficiency in the care of people with chronic rare diseases: The projects are to be promoted, communicated, and disseminated. In recent weeks, the jury of the ACHSE Central Prize has nominated four projects from a total of 20 applications. These projects particularly align with the prize's objective: improving the care situation for people with rare diseases. The winning project will be announced in May. With the ACHSE Central Prize, ACHSE (Alliance for Chronic Rare Diseases) and Central Krankenversicherung AG are jointly committed to improving the treatment and care of people with rare diseases. This year marks the fourth time the prize has been awarded, and it is open to companies, institutions, organizations, and individuals from all sectors of the healthcare system. It is supported by the Generali Future Fund and is endowed with €10,000.

The project "Nationwide Network Against Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalgia (TAC)" aims to trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias quickly, efficiently, and without barriers. A total of 363 primary headache diagnoses are currently classified. Among them are a number of very rare headache disorders – including the group of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TAC), which also includes cluster headaches. All of these cause severe, one-sided headache attacks. Rapid diagnosis of TACs is particularly important because their treatment differs fundamentally from that of other headache types. On average, however, it takes eight to twelve years for a patient to receive an adequate diagnosis and specific treatment. The German Federal Association of Cluster Headache Self-Help Groups (CSG) e.V., in cooperation with the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) health insurance company and the Kiel Pain Clinic, has developed an integrated care concept. This is based on a nationwide diagnostic, treatment, and research network with centers of excellence and coordinated treatment pathways. This aims to spare patients lengthy treatment odysseys, diagnostic delays, and ineffective therapies.

“The project impressed the jury of the achse-central prize because it is networked nationwide and the treatment pathways are coordinated and aligned. Furthermore, the concept was developed jointly with self-help groups and with the support of strong cooperation partners. It is interdisciplinary and takes into account the psychological and social needs of those affected,” explains jury chairman Dr. Arpad von Moers, head physician of the pediatric clinic at the DRK Clinics Berlin, regarding the nomination.

Further details can be found at http://www.achse-online.de/

Details regarding the price