In 2005, a group of 45 independent haemophilia physicians from 19 countries across Europe met to identify and address constraints inhibiting developments in haemophilia care across Europe. This Interdisciplinary Working Group (IDWG) was led by its co-chairmen Professors Christopher Ludlam and Pier Mannucci and a Steering Committee of Prof Jan Astermark, Dr Brian Colvin, Dr Mike Makris, Prof Jørgen Ingerslev and Prof Claude Negrier.

The IDWG identified three areas of focus: 

1) agree on a framework for underpinning principles of haemophilia services
2) encourage more young physicians to enter the specialty
3) develop a surveillance system for adverse events in those with haemophilia particularly in respect of therapy

The physicians of the IDWG formed three working groups and these each met on seven occasions over the following two years to address the issues of development of haemophilia services, recruitment of young physicians and the safety of therapy. These working groups prepared and published the European Principles of Haemophilia Care, the European Curriculum for Thrombosis and Haemostasis and established the European Haemophilia Surveillance Project (EUHASS). 

For more information on the recommendations of the IDWG, please consult: Ludlam, C.A., Mannucci, P.M., Powderly, G. et al. Addressing current challenges in haemophilia care: consensus recommendations of a European Interdisciplinary Working Group. Haemophilia. 2005,11:433-7.