Digital Pathology and Telemedicine

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia Serbia

Date of latest update: 2025-09-23

Description

Description (EN):

Digital diagnostics, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence tools are anticipated to revolutionize pathology practices and enhance patient care quality, as well as the skills of experts. The project partners intend to address the challenges of digitalization, access cutting-edge analyses, and share their expertise to make the concept of digital pathology feasible throughout both regions. The overarching aim of the DigiPath project is to fortify and improve the cross-border healthcare system in the pathology field. The project will serve as a flagship for cooperation among interregional members and assess the necessary steps for implementing digital pathology to foster and enhance technological development, innovation, research, and education. The primary outcome of the project is the establishment of a virtual cross-border workspace that facilitates real-time collaboration among pathologists from two regions. This will be achieved by creating a digital pathology platform encompassing a comprehensive system enabling the digitization, storage, sharing, and analysis of histological images and specimens. Pathologists will securely access high-resolution images remotely, eliminating geographical barriers and facilitating collaborative consultations. This envisioned approach will streamline workflows, reduce diagnostic turnaround times, and enhance diagnosis precision. An easily accessible digital format will optimize the diagnostic process, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses in line with good laboratory practice principles and high service standards for patients in both cross-border regions. In the traditional diagnostic workflow model, the time required for specimen collection, processing, slide preparation, and physical transportation to a pathologist's location could result in significant result delays. However, the integration of digital pathology and telemedicine has virtually eliminated these barriers. High-resolution digital specimen images can now be securely shared and remotely reviewed, allowing pathologists to assess cases in real-time. This virtual collaboration enables timely and informed diagnostic assessments, especially in cases requiring specialized knowledge or rare expertise. Moreover, expertise in this field will extend to exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within digital pathology platforms. AI algorithms can assist in automating tasks such as image analysis, pattern recognition, and preliminary diagnosis. Discussing the synergistic relationship between AI and digital pathology will shed light on how these technologies enhance pathologists' capabilities and lead to even more efficient patient care. Cross-border collaboration in the field of digital pathology is imperative because neither of the two participating institutions currently possesses the independent capacity to carry out such ambitious plans. Besides their joint efforts in equipment procurement and the establishment of digital platform functionality, collaboration is necessary to utilize this state-of-the-art technology for information exchange aimed at improving healthcare. The planned two-way exchange of information between partners, both through the digital platform and live meetings, leads to the project's second most important goal: the establishment and long-term planning of the Joint Educational and Research program. Due to its original and interactive approach, DigiPath offers a vision of original, long-term, comprehensive advancement of public health through digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence tools in both regions included in the project.

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the first reporting period, significant progress was made in establishing a strong foundation for project implementation and fostering effective cooperation between partners. Both partners successfully formed their project teams and implementation framework, ensuring an efficient organizational structure. A key milestone was the signing of the Partnership Agreement for formalizing collaboration and setting clear roles and responsibilities. Key achievements in this period include: Project Coordination and Team Meetings: Regular online meetings facilitated seamless communication between partners. The introductory meeting on December 9, 2024, enabled team members to align on project goals and address potential challenges. A follow-up meeting on January 24, 2025, focused on finalizing the project’s opening conference and reviewing procurement processes. Successful Project Opening Conference: Held on February 21, 2025, in Osijek, the opening conference gathered stakeholders from both institutions, serving as a platform for knowledge exchange and engagement. This event not only increased project visibility but also reinforced commitment among all participants. Public Procurement Procedures: By LP, several key procurement processes were completed, ensuring the smooth implementation of project activities. Contracts were awarded for project management, public procurement services, and visibility tools, while procurement for training and event management services was initiated and is set to be finalized in the next period. PP conducted market research for digitalization equipment (Digital slide scanner for microscopic slides, microtom, set for microarrays), pathologist workstation (medical computer and monitor) and IT infrastructure (data storage) and a public consultation was launched, after which they will announce the Public Procurement procedure. Organizational Framework for Future Activities: The groundwork has been laid for upcoming initiatives, ensuring structured implementation and effective coordination between partners. The collaborative efforts in this phase have strengthened institutional cooperation, paving the way for achieving project objectives. The progress made in this first period highlights the added value of cross-border collaboration, fostering knowledge exchange, operational efficiency, and shared expertise. These early achievements provide a solid base for the next phases of the project, ensuring long-term impact and sustainable outcomes.

Project outputs: Piloting of digital telepathology platform for real-time cross-border collaboration of pathologists(EN)
Project partners co-operating in cross-border project(EN)

Thematic information

Health and social services Scientific cooperation ICT and digital society

Priority: (VI-A_HR-S_3) Cooperating for healthier and more inclusive programme area

Priority specific objective: RSO4.5. Ensuring equal access to health care and fostering resilience of health systems, including primary care, and promoting the transition from institutional to family-based and community-based care

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO4 A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

Type of intervention: 129 Health equipment

Partners (2)

Lead Partner: Institut za onkologiju Vojvodine

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 100804613

Department: Department for pathological-anatomical diagnostics

Address: Put dr Goldmana, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia

Department address: Put dr Goldmana, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.onk.ns.ac.rs

Total budget: EUR 278 510.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 236 733.50

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 41 776.50

Contractors:

Name: Centar za upravljanje razvojem
VAT registration or tax identification number: 104925438

Klinički bolnički centar Osijek

Name: Klinički bolnički centar Osijek

Department: Clinical Institute for Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR89819375646

Address: Josipa Huttlera , 31000 Osijek, Croatia

Department address: Josipa Huttlera, 31000 Osijek, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Hospitals and medical centres

Website: https://www.kbco.hr

Total budget: EUR 285 583.17

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 242 745.69

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 42 837.48

Contractors:

Name: Innulei d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 04169681558

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

University Hospital Centre Osijek

Digital Pathology and Telemedicine

Partners and Projects info

Oncology Institute of Vojvodina

Digital Pathology and Telemedicine

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Digital Pathology and Telemedicine

Project acronym: DigiPath

Project ID: HR-RS00103

Project start date: 2024-09-01

Project end date: 2027-02-28

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Center for Education, Detection, and Prevention of Cancer in Osijek, Baranja County. The project was designed with the aim of raising the level of knowledge among healthcare workers in Osijek-Baranja County about cancer diseases through participation in congresses, the transfer of good practices, and the education of educators for the purpose of treatment, early detection, and prevention of neoplastic diseases, as well as raising citizens' awareness of the importance of disease prevention and health promotion in the area of Osijek-Baranja County, ultimately leading to better treatment outcomes. (EN) | The "Center for Education, detection, and Prevention of Cancer in Osijek, Baranja County" could leverage synergies with digital pathology in several ways to enhance its mission of addressing cancer education, early detection, and prevention. Digital pathology involves the use of digital technology to manage and interpret pathology information, including medical imaging and tissue samples. Here's how such a center could benefit from synergy with digital pathology:
Education and Training: The center can use digital pathology platforms to provide education and training to healthcare professionals, including pathologists, on the latest diagnostic techniques and tools, enhancing their skills in cancer detection.
Telepathology: Digital pathology enables remote consultations and second opinions, which can be valuable in areas with limited access to specialized healthcare services. The center can leverage telepathology solutions to connect with experts and seek consultations when needed.
Patient Engagement: The center can use digital pathology to educate patients about their diagnosis and treatment options through interactive digital tools, making it easier for patients to understand their condition and participate in their healthcare decisions.
By strategically integrating digital pathology into its activities and collaborating with relevant stakeholders, the "Center for Education, Early Detection, and Prevention of Cancer of Osijek-Baranja County" can enhance its effectiveness in cancer prevention, early detection, and education, ultimately benefiting the community it serves. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 564 093.17

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 479 479.19

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 479 479.19. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Setup of digital pathology workstation and its associated database
Joint use of storage infrastructure optimized for managing digital images
Cross-border video conferencing
Workshop: Digitalisation and AI in pathology
Workshop: AI modules in cytopathology diagnostics
Creating research content using AI in the digital pathology.
Development of the long-term partnership in the field of education and research.
Proof of Principle for AI Enhancement in Histopathological Evaluations
Conducted Opening and Closing Conferences
Distributed visibility material

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The strategy for the Danube Region assumes an even modernization, digitization and training of doctors, residents and laboratory technicians in the countries of the region. Since the problems of institutions in these countries are recognized as similar, the project deals with the need to acquire equipment, respectively modern digital scanners and software, education and file exchange for the purpose of better analysis, consultation and obtaining a second opinion on the sample.
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The EU strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region is mainly focused on coastal regions, this project does not directly contribute to that. Indirectly, it can contribute to encouraging cross-border cooperation between institutions as well as the exchange of samples of pathohistological preparations between these institutions with the aim of consulting and better analysis by experts from these institutions.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia Serbia

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-09-23

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

27 / 27 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

94 / 94 (100%)

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Digital Pathology and Telemedicine

Description

Thematic information

Partners (2)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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