Comprehensive care for haemophilia is a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of haemophilia. This means that patients are taken care of by different medical professionals who address different aspects of their care to enhance the management and outcome of the treatment. Typically in Europe patients can access comprehensive care services in one place: either a European Haemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC) or a European Comprehensive Care Centre (CCC). The criteria for being certified as either of these types of haemophilia centres can be found in the European guidelines for the certification of haemophilia centres. These guidelines were developed by the EHC under there EUHANET project with the objective to provide its member with a clearer understanding of the types of services that each haemophilia centre can provide to its patients.

In the HTC or CCC people with bleeding disorders will receive tailored treatment programmes provided by specialised medical personnel. Besides the haematologists, patients will get access to other medical services, such as:

  • physiotherapy and orthopaedic care
  • surgery
  • dental care
  • paediatric care
  • haepatology and infectious diseases
  • obstetrics and gynecology
  • genetics
  • psychosocial support

Home treatment

Wherever appropriate, the care of patients with haemophilia and other congenital bleeding disorders should be delivered in the home setting, which will minimise hospital attendance and absence from school and work, and enable patients to live as normal a life as possible. The HTC or CCC will advise patients individually and can draw up and periodically update home treatment plans.

Comprehensive Care in Europe

At the moment there is much diversity amongst haemophilia centres in Europe and the services they offer. The EUHANET project is currently looking at how to harmonize haemophilia centres’ standards across European Union Member States.

The Haemophilia Centre Locator, run by the EUHANET project, can help you locate CCCs and HTCs in Europe. On the EUHANET website, you will also find medical guidelines on the treatment of haemophilia and other congenital bleeding disorders.