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Description
Revma liga, z.s. focuses on the target group of patients with rheumatic disease. The assessment of the processes in the association shows that there is not enough personnel capacity of the organization to achieve relatively ambitious goals. The organization is led more by volunteers and financed in the form of project financing in a maximum one-year cycle / rhythm. If the organization is to continue to develop and offer its services, its professionalization is essential, which inevitably involves the expansion of the core team by at least two new positions.
The main outputs of the project at the planning and preparatory level will be directed to the area of ??setting the organization''s strategy for 5 years, the resulting revision and preparation of plans to ensure the quality of services for patients, in relation to the professional community and legislation, revision and plan of activities in the field of education and prevention, financing of the organization, marketing and PR and others.
Pilot activities of the project:
- A key element in streamlining the services offered is the creation of an exercise module for patients. The exercise module will focus on improving the patient''s physical condition and his development in this area.
- Another new activity is the implementation of steps to implement the European Revma map. It aims to map the level of medical care for rheumatics, but also to help improve it in many ways.
- As part of the project, a webinar strategy plan + content of two new one-day workshops will be compiled.
- As part of improving services, a hotline for patients will be created. The aim will be to answer all questions that will be directed to this line.
The project will be implemented in partnership with Norsk Revmatikerforbund. The role of the Norwegian partner will be to cooperate in the implementation of the exercise module, but more broadly the transfer of organisation management knowhow to Revmaliga will be essential as well.
Summary of project results
The project focused on ensuring the stability of the patient organization, strengthening strategic management, and improving service quality through staff training and the use of modern approaches. Its goals included enhancing promotion, increasing awareness of activities, and establishing effective communication with patients, professionals, and the general public. A key component was acquiring knowhow from the Norwegian partner and implementing modern marketing and fundraising methods to secure financial stability. External specialists were involved, and activities were carefully coordinated. A significant challenge was the limited capacity for developing the online course “Revma v klidu.” Despite this, the project outcomes exceeded expectations. New partnerships were formed with five pharmaceutical companies, three foundations, and three insurance companies. The organization’s visibility grew significantly through television appearances (e.g., on “Kde domov můj” with over 450,000 viewers), targeted PR articles, and a tripling of Facebook followers. Social media reach and public awareness increased substantially.
- The following main activities were implemented within the project:Strategic plan of the organization, including a SWOT analysis and strategies for patients, professionals, and the public(also focusing on awareness and prevention services), as well as a plan to improve the quality and effectiveness of the organization''s internal service content.
- Pilot deployment and validation of the organization''s primarily new services: 1. Improvement and optimization of the hotline service, 2. Creation of an exercise module for patients, 3. Implementation of the European Rheuma Map.
- A communication, PR and marketing strategy that defined effective channels and included pilot campaigns to support new services, such as the helpdesk, the European Rheuma Map and the online course "Rheuma at Rest".
- Fundraising strategy with the aim of diversifying the organization''s financial resources and ensuring its longterm sustainability.
- The online course "Rheuma at Rest ", which received more than 500 registrations and was promoted on social networks, YouTube and through offline events.
- Comprehensive marketing campaign, including online and offline activities (eg press conferences, social networks, YouTube videos with 44,000 direct views).
- Development of an education strategy plan for the years 2022 and 2023 and realization of workshops and webinars, such as "How to manage your illness" and "Communication with the patient", Communication (not) only with a doctor, How to overcome the fear of talking about your illness, and a Rehabilitation workshop – supporting both patients and professionals.
- Promotion of the project on international and domestic platforms, for example at the EULAR congress or at the Institute of Rheumatology.
- Information activities, including leaflets, rollups, media articles and webinars.
The project, aimed at professionalizing and stabilizing the patient organization, was successfully implemented and achieved all set objectives. It brought significant benefits to the organization, its employees, target groups, and the general public.
The main goal of the project was to strengthen personnel capacity and provide employee training, which enhanced the team’s expertise. Thanks to professional courses and training, the organization now provides higher-quality support to patients and responds more effectively to their needs. Key strategic documents were created, including an overall strategy, communication and marketing strategy, and financial strategy. These tools have ensured the organization’s long-term sustainability and development direction.
The project also raised public awareness of the organization and its activities. Awareness campaigns on social media, the website, and in the media increased the organization’s visibility, attracted new members, and engaged the public more effectively.
Project benefits:
- Patients gained access to new tools, such as the online course “ Rheuma at Rest ” and workshops to help them manage their condition.
- The organization diversified its financial resources, improved services, and expanded its membership base by 203 members.
- Marketing outcomes included over 140,000 YouTube views, a 600% increase in social media engagement, a 20% rise in website traffic, and over 1,300 unique visits to the project portal.
Media coverage, including a report on ČT24 and the show “Kde domov můj“ with 450,000 viewers, significantly boosted project awareness and raised over 100,000 CZK to support the organization’s activities.
The project not only fulfilled its objectives but also established a strong foundation for the further development of the organization, which is now better prepared to provide high-quality support to patients and contribute to the advancement of care for people with rheumatic diseases.
Summary of bilateral results
The Norwegian partner Norsk Revmatikerforbund was played an essential role in the exercise module. We used partner''s experience with marketing and partner''s content of the exercise module, which we adapted and implemented into the Czech environment. Thanks to the cooperation with the Norwegian partner, we created a unique and comprehensive product for patients with rheumatic diseases, which received the patronage of the Czech Rheumatology Society. The Norwegian partner participated in online meetings and one face-to-face meeting. The partner provided us with more than 300 pages of texts for the output of the Exercise Module and thanks to that we were able to transfer this project to the Czech environment for our patients and improve their quality of life through a combination of exercise, therapy and challenges.