Creating collaboration through the Clinical Patient Management System
by Darren Shilhan – ERN eUROGEN Lead IT and Data Performance Analyst
The Clinical Patient Management System, or CPMS for short, is a secure web-based tool which allows multidisciplinary teams of experts across the European Union to discuss individual cases involving rare or low prevalence complex diseases or conditions.
Whilst provided by the European Commission, the system is utilised by the 24 European Reference Networks (ERNs) that were created in 2017; ERN eUROGEN is the ERN for rare uro-recto-genital diseases and complex conditions, including Spina Bifida.
The aim of CPMS is to drive greater collaboration between countries regarding the diagnosis and treatment of such rare or complex conditions, thereby increasing and spreading knowledge. This should ultimately result in improvements in the quality of care for affected patients.
The process to access CPMS is quite straightforward. As long as they obtain the written consent of the patient, any treating clinician that is dealing with a rare or complex case based within the EU/EEA can apply for access. Furthermore, the ability to use CPMS has now been extended to clinicians in Ukraine – the first time it has been available outside of the EU/EEA.
As you may be aware, IFSBH and ERN eUROGEN, along with Omni-Net Ukraine, have been running a series of webinars for Ukrainian clinicians since October 2023. The session in January 2025 focused specifically on the use of CPMS in Ukraine and can be viewed here.
Once access is granted to the system, the clinician can securely upload the details of the case. A panel of relevant experts will then be created by the ERN. Many of the leading experts in their field are signed up to CPMS, ready to offer advice to clinicians who may well be dealing with such a rare or complex case for the first time.
CPMS has also undergone a transformation in the last few months, with the release of a brand new version of the system, now referred to as CPMS 2.0. The redesign has resulted in a more user-friendly interface, which focuses on optimising the flow of the case discussion for all involved.
If you are a clinician based within the EU/EEA and have a patient case involving a rare uro-recto-genital disease or complex condition about which you would like further advice, please email [email protected]. We will establish your eligibility to access the system, including ensuring that patient consent has been obtained, and help you through the registration process.
If you a clinician based in Ukraine with such a case, you will need to send an email at: [email protected].
