The Successful Way of BKMF - Self-Help Meets Science.

The Successful Way of BKMF - Self-Help Meets Science. Pediatr Endocrinol Rev. 2017 Nov;15(Suppl 1):73-77 Authors: Klingebiel R, Klingebiel KH Abstract Advocacy, information and psychosocial support have been the key aims of the German Association of Short-Statured People and their Families (BKMF e.V.) since its establishment and development as a self-help organization from the late 1980s on. Since then, members and supporters have striven over around three decades for a fulfilled and self-determined life for people affected by short stature and for their equal participation in society. From the very beginning, communication and collaboration with professionals from medicine and other disciplines, with industry players and policy makers as well as with other self-help organizations were key activities of the Association. As one such step the BKMF setup a scientific advisory board to back its activities with professional expertise. Medical workshops and publications have resulted from this collaboration and have contributed to the growing reputation of the Association. Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines were developed that are based on the experience of groups of experts, the short-statured people and the professionals. Moreover, two achievements made a major contribution to the ongoing competence provided by the BKMF e.V. The first of these was the establishment of the German Centre for People with Restricted Growth (DZK) - a confe...
Source: Pediatric Endocrinology Reviews - Category: Endocrinology Tags: Pediatr Endocrinol Rev Source Type: research