Telepathology as a joint method for improving quality of diagnosis of digestive tract diseases in the targeted regions of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro

Date of latest update: 2025-12-15

Description

Description (EN):

In order to improve the efficiency of the work of certain health institutions in the field of pathology, the project partners came up with the idea that through joint cross-border diagnostics, they can reach more reliable diagnoses and use the knowledge and experience of colleagues from the region. Digital pathology allows pathologists to share and access digital images of slides over the internet. This fosters collaboration among experts across different geographical locations. Pathologists can easily consult with colleagues, specialists, or experts worldwide, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions. Telepathology enables remote consultations, making it possible for pathologists to provide their expertise even in areas with limited access to pathology services. Digitizing pathology slides speeds up the process of image acquisition, transfer, and analysis. This helps in reducing the time it takes for pathologists to review cases and provide timely results to clinicians, leading to faster patient care and treatment planning. Overall, digital pathology and telepathology are critical components of modern cross-border healthcare that can improve diagnostic accuracy, enhance patient care, increase accessibility to pathology services, and contribute to medical advancements through research and education. The overall objective of the project is to contribute to equal access to health care and fostering resilience of health systems through promoting the interaction between institutional and community-based care of the targeted areas of three program countries in early diagnosis of digestive tract diseases using modern protocol and tool on cross-border telepathology, supported by educated medical personnel and highly equipped pathology facilities. The main outputs of the project are as follows: 1. Joint training schemes in pathology - Improved capacity of the staff of partner hospitals and educational institution in innovative methods of modern diagnostic procedures within pathohistological laboratories that will contribute to the precise diagnosis of digestive tract diseases. Four training modules will be delivered: molecular pathology for pathology specialists/doctors; molecular pathology and immunohistochemistry for laboratory technicians; "LEAN Awareness" and "Rapid improvement". 2. Piloted cross-border (joint) telepathology tool for the exchange of opinions and diagnoses between pathologists of three institutions - Testing the use of a cross-border (joint) telepathology tool including analyses the data collected during testing to assess the performance of the model. Identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Based on the evaluation results and user feedback, address any identified issues and make necessary enhancements to the telepathology tool to improve its functionality and user experience. 3. Defined and adopted a formal protocol and tool on cross-border (joint) telepathology - All three project partners will adopt formal protocol and tool on cross-border (joint) telepathology refer to a structured set of guidelines, procedures, and technical solutions that facilitate the secure and efficient exchange of digital pathology images and opinions between medical institutions located in different countries. The protocol outlines the specific steps and requirements for using the telepathology tool, while the tool itself provides the necessary software and infrastructure. 4. A Memorandum of Cooperation of project partners on development and use of telepathology protocol and tool on cross-border (joint) telepathology cooperation refer to a structured set of guidelines, procedures, and technical solutions that facilitate the secure and efficient exchange of digital pathology images and opinions between medical institutions located in different countries The main beneficiaries of the project will be partners institutions which will continue using new telepathology tools and protocols, primary health institution and other health institution depending on early and accurate diagnostics, community based organisation promoting prevention and early detection of disseises. In order to improve the efficiency of the work of certain health institutions in the field of pathology, the project partners came up with the idea that through joint cross-border diagnostics, they can reach more reliable diagnoses and use the knowledge and experience of colleagues from the region. Digital pathology allows pathologists to share and access digital images of slides over the internet. This fosters collaboration among experts across different geographical locations. Pathologists can easily consult with colleagues, specialists, or experts worldwide, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions. Telepathology enables remote consultations, making it possible for pathologists to provide their expertise even in areas with limited access to pathology services.

Actual Achievements (EN):

In this reporting period, the PPs contributed to the implementation of the following project activities and deliverables: A 1.2 Joint training schemes for laboratory technical staff and doctors D.1.2.2 "LEAN Awareness" PP2 conducted a simple procurement process: "Organization of Training Program for Laboratory Staff and Technicians (PATODIGITAL)" for Lean Awareness and Rapid Improvement Event. The project partner OB Zadar announced the public procurement on October 30, 2024 by making an internal decision on the start of the simple procurement procedure. Agreement with supplier Roche d.o.o. was signed on January 27, 2025. PP2 organized a joint online education "LEAN Awareness" for 12 laboratory workers, engineers and doctors from three countries. The first part of the training was organized on January 28, 2025, while the second, final part was organized on February 12, 2025. The workshop was attended by laboratory assistants, engineers and doctors from OB Zadar, OB Bar and MEFSUM. The contracted company that conducted the training was present with one consultant in Zadar, while the rest were involved from their institutions in Belgium and Portugal, as well as project partners from their institutions in Mostar and Bar. The training aimed to direct laboratory workers, engineers and doctors to improve and advance work processes, use tools that would improve their everyday life, and eliminate activities that do not add value to the process, which would reduce the overload of personnel and equipment. Upon completion of the joint online training, the participants received a certificate of completion of the "Lean Awareness" training. The implementation of this activity is going according to the planned plan. A 1.3 Acquisition of innovative technologies/equipment that would enable faster and more accurate diagnosis of targeted medical institutions in the precise diagnosis of digestive tract diseases PP2 OB Zadar announced a public procurement on December 30, 2024 by adopting an internal decision on the appointment of an expert commission for public procurement. The procurement is still on tendering phase with subject of procurement: 03-EU-NVV-24 - System for digitalization of pathological samples of OB Zadar (PATODIGITAL) A 2.4 Community focused awareness increasing campaign on early detection of digestive tract diseases PPs participated in the initial conference of the "Patodigital" project organized by LP1 in Bar, Montenegro, on October 25, 2024. Representatives of LP1, PP2 and PP3 were present. LP1 held a presentation about the project with a focus on project activities, goals and results. Representatives of the local media were present. On their portals, they published the news about holding the Kick off conference of the project. The first meeting of the PMT was held on the same day. All partners were presented with the project activities for which they are in charge, as well as the time plan for the implementation of the project activities. Procurement of works and equipment for the LP1 and equipment for PP3 is still in market research phase. A.1.1 Joint training scheme in molecular pathology for pathology specialists/doctors. D.1.1.1. Market research for identification of the hospital in the region who is willing to host the Joint training in molecular pathology for pathology specialists/doctors from Bar and Mostar is still in ongoing phase. The letter for expression of interest is sent on more than 30 addresses on 02.06.2025. throughout the region and EU. So far only Hospital from Padova replied that they are in principle interested for cooperation but with no concrete potential engagement. The mitigation plan is to try to establish direct contacts with Hospitals in Ljubljana and Maribor, Slovenia, through official assistance of Ministry of health and MNE Embassy in Slovenia. Internal deadline for market research is end of October where training should happen till the end of 2025. Evidence of the market research is annexed to this report. A.1.2 Joint training schemes for laboratory technical staff and doctors D.1.2.1 Organized joint training in molecular pathology and immunohistochemistry - PP3 is late with organisation of the mentioned training due still ongoing market research for the service providers, whish is ongoing. It is planned to finalize the tendering process during October 2025 where the training should be delivered during November 2025. D.1.2.3 Organized joint training for technicians and doctors from three countries in "Rapid improvement" - PP2 organized the joint training "Rapid Improvement Event" for 5 days, attended by 6 participants, two from each country. The training was successfully held in Zadar from March 3 to March 7, 2025, following an introductory online meeting on February 25, 2025. The workshop provided practical experience in process improvement, implementation of new procedures, and application of LEAN methodology. Participants received certificates of completion for the "Rapid Improvement Event" module. A 1.3 Acquisition of innovative technologies/equipment that would enable faster and more accurate diagnosis of targeted medical institutions in the precise diagnosis of digestive tract diseases. D.1.3.1 Precured medical equipment and digitalisation software for laboratory of Hospitality of Bar. LP1 is late with procurement of the equipment because delay in tendering of infrastructure-work contract for building of the new pathology related building, predicted by the project. How the tender for works were published on 31.7.2025 with expected deadline for finalising of works on May 2026. the tenders for equipment will be launched during September 2025. The equipment will be delivered to the LP1 on April/May 2026, when the works related activities are planned to be finished. D.1.3.2 Precured System for functional digitization of pathology for laboratory of Hospitality of Zadar - PP2 General Hospital Zadar initiated the public procurement procedure on December 30, 2024, by adopting an internal decision to appoint an expert commission for public procurement. The subject of the procurement was 03-EU-NVV-24 – System for digitalization of pathological samples at OB Zadar (PATODIGITAL). Following the completion of the prior consultation, the high-value open public procurement procedure was published on March 7, 2025, for two groups. The procurement process concluded on April 9, 2025, with the decision on the selection of the supplier for Group 2, as no applications were received for Group 1. The contract for Group 2 – PACS system upgrade for pathology and cytology needs was signed with the supplier EHS d.o.o. on June 9, 2025. The public procurement procedure for Group 1 – equipment for pathology digitalization was repeated on May 2, 2025. The contract for Group 1 was signed with the supplier EHS d.o.o. on July 8, 2025. Delivery of the equipment and the PACS system upgrade according to the contracts is expected by the end of September 2025. Costs for this procurement will be reported in the third reporting period (PR3), scheduled for February 2026. D.1.3.3 Precured IT equipment and software for Medical Faculty - PP3 is in delay with the procurement of the equipment. The market research is planned to be finalized till October 10, and tendering procedure will take place during October 2025. It is planned to have signed supply contract in November 2025, where delivering of the equipment is expected to be done in February/March 2026. A 1.4 Improvement of working conditions in pathology through investments in adequate working spaces. D.1.4.1 Built and operational new space for the Pathology Centre of hospital of Bar - LP1 started with procurement of works on July 31, by local open procedure. After contracting, the period of implementation of tasks shall be 6 months. it is expected to have operational building on May 2026. Information related to activities A.2.1 and A.2.4 are provided in the section "Project problems and deviations"

Project outputs: Piloted cross-border (joint) telepathology tool for the exchange of opinions and diagnoses between pathologists of three institutions(EN)
Defined and adopted a formal protocol and tool on cross-border (joint) telepathology(EN)
Project partners co-operating in cross-border project(EN)

Thematic information

Health and social services ICT and digital society

Priority: (VI-A_HR-B-ME_3) Accessible and resilient health services

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: 128 Health infrastructure

Partners (3)

Lead Partner: Javna zdravstvena ustanova Opšta bolnica „Blažo Orlandić” Bar

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02015102

Address: Podgrad, 85353 Stari Bar, Bar, Montenegro

Department address: Podgrad, 85353 Stari Bar, Bar, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Hospitals and medical centres

Website: https://www.bolnicabar.me/

Total budget: EUR 1 062 867.55

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 903 437.41

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 159 430.14

Contractors:

Name: Predrag Janković
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a

Sveučilište u Mostaru

Name: Sveučilište u Mostaru

Department: Faculty of Medicine

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 422708813005

Address: Trg hrvtskih velikana, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Department address: Kralja Petra Krešimira IV, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.sum.ba/

Total budget: EUR 299 754.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 254 790.90

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 44 963.10

Opća bolnica Zadar

Name: Opća bolnica Zadar

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 11854878552

Address: Bože Peričića, 23000 Zadar, Croatia

Department address: Bože Peričića, 23000 Zadar, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Hospitals and medical centres

Website: https://www.bolnica-zadar.hr/

Total budget: EUR 692 598.63

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 588 708.83

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 103 889.80

Contractors:

Name: ROCHE D.O.O.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 18787746778

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

University of Mostar

Telepathology as a joint method for improving quality of diagnosis of digestive tract diseases in the targeted regions of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro

Partners and Projects info

General Hospital Zadar

Telepathology as a joint method for improving quality of diagnosis of digestive tract diseases in the targeted regions of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro

Partners and Projects info

Public Health Institution General Hospital Bar

Telepathology as a joint method for improving quality of diagnosis of digestive tract diseases in the targeted regions of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Telepathology as a joint method for improving quality of diagnosis of digestive tract diseases in the targeted regions of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro

Project acronym: PATODIGITAL

Project ID: HR-BA-ME00104

Project start date: 2024-08-15

Project end date: 2027-02-14

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Project TELE.DOC that is implemented through HR-BA-ME Interreg program (EN) | Use of telemedicine in partner hospitals but in this project it was for
the trauma department and use of telemedicine during the surgeries (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 055 220.18

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 746 937.14

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

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 1 746 937.14. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Infrastructure investments:

I1.1 - Pathology centre of General hospital of Bar - EUR 577 140.00 - country: Crna Gora (ME), town: Bar, Crna Gora (ME00), Crna Gora (ME000)

Deliverables:

Organised training in molecular pathology, including plan with defined topics
Organized joint training in molecular pathology and immunohistochemistry
Organized joint training for technicians and doctors from three countries in "LEAN Awareness"
Organized joint training for technicians and doctors from three countries in "Rapid improvement"
Precured medical equipment and digitalisation software for laboratory of Hospitality of Bar
Precured System for functional digitization of pathology for laboratory of Hospitality of Zadar
Precured IT equipment and software for Medical Faculty in Mostar
Built and operational new space for the Pathology centre of hospitality of Bar
Analysis report on the definition of priority diagnostic procedures
Prepared and adopted draft (testing) protocols and models of cooperation between health institutions
Formed testing database of digital pathological findings of all three partners
The report on telepathology based on the six months of joint work
Report with recommendations for the adoption of a protocol and tools on cross-border telepathology
Prepared and adopted formal protocols and model of cooperation between health institutions
Held workshops with the medical staff of primary health care institutions and testing target groups
Held workshops with the NGO sector dealing with health issues in the local communities
Held TV shows on early diagnosis of digestive tract diseases
Digital promotion through local digital media and social networks

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion Policy Objective “Social Europe” is extremely important for the development of the programme area due to the current situation which is considered to be mostly insufficiently managed in terms of sustainability of health care systems which show reduction of medical staff, while population aging is
increasing. The key development opportunities of the programme area in relation to the Policy
Objective “Social Europe” are the recognized need for deinstitutionalization of health care, well developed labour market infrastructure in the programme area and the constant increase in tourist
demand. The health system has a well-established infrastructure that can be modernized to be more
efficient. Also, there are wide possibilities in terms of natural and cultural heritage and the diversity of
tourism needs and the use of new technologies in tourism development planning. Justification for the
selection of SO 4.5. The right to timely access to affordable, quality preventive and curative care is
one of the key principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The vulnerability of the health care
systems across the area has been especially demonstrated during the COVID-19 crisis. There is a need for further development and implementation of advanced medical technologies in the programme
area, especially through joint cross-border actions. Strengthening cooperation between health care
providers could help them to function more effectively in the context of increasing mobility of
patients and health care professionals.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion Digital Health Initiatives: The EU has been actively promoting digital health initiatives, such as the European Health Data Space, which aims to facilitate the sharing of health data for research and innovation. Implementing digital health solutions can improve healthcare delivery and accessibility in remote or underserved areas, including parts of the Danube region.
Other EU Health Policy: The EU has an overarching health policy framework that aims to promote and protect public health. It focuses on areas such as disease prevention, health promotion, health systems, and healthcare access. While not region-specific, this policy can have implications for the health sector in all EU member states

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, 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 - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro

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

2025-12-15

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

37 / 37 (100%)

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

167 / 167 (100%)

Notes on the data

The end dates of project: - RACE 2 - APOLLO - CODES - SMART STEP are an approximation based on the programme's List of Operations available on the programme's website on 2024 -09-18. There the end date is marked in quarters. Combined total of all projects partnerships (11764705.89) in field total_budget is larger than projects total (1499618.4) of total_budget.

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Telepathology as a joint method for improving quality of diagnosis of digestive tract diseases in the targeted regions of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro

Description

Thematic information

Partners (3)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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