Stakeholder Meeting of the CARES Project in City of Zagreb
Advancing Telemedicine in Zagreb: Highlights from the 3rd CARES Project Stakeholder Meeting
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the third meeting of the Local Stakeholder Group (LSG) for the CARES Project (Remote Healthcare for Silver Europe) was held at the Sveti Ivan Psychiatric Clinic in Zagreb. The gathering brought together representatives from key institutions, including the City of Zagreb, Children's Hospital Srebrnjak, Zagreb health centers (Center, East, and West), Sveti Ivan Psychiatric Clinic, Vrapče Psychiatric Clinic, NZJZ "Dr. Andrija Štampar," the Polyclinic for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases and Rehabilitation, and the Dental Polyclinic Zagreb.
Opening Remarks and Project Overview
The meeting began with opening speeches delivered by Mirela Šentija Knežević, Ph.D., Assistant Head of the City Office for Social Protection, Health, Veterans, and Persons with Disabilities, and Assoc. Prof. Prim.Vladimir Grošić, M.D., spec. psychiatrist. They welcomed participants and underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing telemedicine initiatives in Zagreb. The CARES' project manager followed with an update on project's activities completed during the third semester and outlined plans for future implementation phases.
Good Practices in Telemedicine
Prof. prim. Igor Filipčić, Ph.D., M.D., spec. psychiatrist, Head of Sveti Ivan Psychiatric Clinic, presented a compelling case study on "Telemedicine in Psychiatry." The presentation highlighted innovative ways to enhance mental healthcare using telepresence technologies, including e-consultations, e-visits, and remote patient monitoring.To illustrate the application of these technologies, the user device "IdeaHub" was showcased. This tool, equipped with a smart board and UHD projector, enabled real-time communication between participants in Zagreb and colleagues from the Dubrovnik General Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry via live streaming.
Prof. prim. Goran Krstačić, Ph.D., M.D., Director of the Polyclinic for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases and Rehabilitation, delivered a presentation titled "From TELECORDIS to TELEHEART." He introduced the concept of a "Telecardiology Virtual Room," a telemedicine service that has been successfully implemented to advance cardiovascular healthcare.
Engaging Discussions on Telemedicine Development
The event transitioned into a discussion moderated by „Mreža Znanja Ltd.“, focusing on telemedicine services in Zagreb’s health institutions. Participants shared examples of successful good practices, challenges, and potential solutions. This exchange of insights provided valuable direction for future development and guidelines aimed at enhancing digital health services.
The Vision for Telemedicine in Zagreb
Mirela Šentija Knežević, Ph.D, emphasized the transformative potential of telemedicine, particularly for elderly populations, individuals with mobility limitations, and residents in remote areas. She underscored the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals, institutions, and policymakers to ensure the effective implementation and sustainability of these solutions. She concluded by stating that advancing telemedicine is a critical step toward improving healthcare accessibility and quality for all citizens, paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative healthcare system in Zagreb.
Looking Ahead
The CARES project is contributing to the development of telemedicine by demonstrating how digital technologies can support and improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. At this meeting, the collaborative efforts of the Local Steakholder Group of the City of Zagreb provided an opportunity to review progress, share experiences, and plan for the continued integration of telemedicine in the healthcare system of the City of Zagreb.