Promoting resilience of health systems and equal access to skin and liver care through RORS screening and treatment solutions

The project is designed around a solid RO-RS cross-border partnership between the "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara as LP and General Hospital „Đorđe Joanović” Zrenjanin as PP, aiming to improve the overall well-being of the target group by providing better access to quality healthcare services and reducing the incidence of skin and liver cancer in the programme’s eligible area, namely in Timis, a Romanian county, and in Srednjobanatska oblast (Central Banat), a district in Serbia. The project addresses punctual common challenges with reference to certain situations in which both partners fail to meet patients' expectations: 1. Limited access to specialized healthcare; 2. Limited capacity of healthcare providers. The project`s approach in addressing these common challenges: 1. The project will implement a comprehensive screening program for liver and skin cancer, as well as further testing or treatment for positive patients. This will ensure that individuals in the program area have equal access to care regardless of their location, race, gender, financial status or level of education. To address limited awareness and education, the project will launch an awareness campaign to educate individuals about the risks associated with these conditions and the importance of early detection and treatment. HEPASKIN will also create cross-border registers that will provide a comprehensive and standardized database of information on skin and liver cancer cases in the project area. 2. The Romanian professional team will organize training sessions and workshops for Serbian healthcare providers to increase their capacity. The training courses will be designed for different specialties, including dermatology, general surgery, plastic surgery and gastroenterology. The courses will cover various aspects of diagnosis and treatment of liver and skin cancer, including classical and laparoscopic techniques, dermatoscopy, flap courses, and laparoscopic liver resection courses. The main overall objective of the project: To ensure equal access to quality services related to skin and liver cancer in the cross-border area for 4.000 persons/ patients, by enhancing awareness, targeting 5 investments in high-tech equipment, building the screening capacity of 40 healthcare providers through joint training activities and implementing 2 registers, ultimately leading to improved medical outcomes for the population. The expected change that the HEPASKIN project will make to the current situation is a reduction in the incidence and mortality rates of skin and liver cancer, as well as an improvement in the overall quality of life for those affected by these disorders. Project main outputs clearly link to Priority 2, SO 2.2, Output Indicator and Result Indicator: 1. PSO 03 - Investments in health care, family-based and community-based care services: 5 investments representing 17% of the final target value under this call 2. PSR 03 - Annual users of the supported investments in health care, family-based and community-based care services: 4.000 patients/persons benefiting from the supported investments in health care, family-based and community-based care services, representing 40% of the target value under this call, out of which: a) 1.000 persons in the project area benefiting from targeted awareness-raising activities, meaning a change in the target audience's knowledge and belief regarding skin and liver cancer, by providing them with accurate and relevant information on the topic, in order to engage in preventative behaviors, seek early diagnosis, and support, reducing the incidence and impact of these conditions in the project area; b) 2.500 persons in the project area benefiting from screening solutions for skin and liver cancer; c) 150 patients in the project area benefiting from surgical procedures for skin and liver cancer; d) 350 patients in the project area benefiting from collecting and entering their data into the 2 Registers, receiving timely and accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment and follow-up care; It is estimated that during the durability period at least 100 persons/annually, 500 in total, will have access to screening and 50 users/annually, 250 in total, will have their data collected and entered into the Registers (Final target - 2029). HEPASKIN is a unique project that addresses the unmet needs in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic skin and liver diseases by developing an integrated multidisciplinary system of care that includes novel screening methods, innovative treatment approaches and patient registries. The project combines the expertise of two partner institutions and leverages the latest advances in digital data collection and analysis to enhance the quality of care for patients with skin and liver cancer. Additionally, HEPASKIN aims to raise awareness of these conditions among the general population, promoting early diagnosis and prevention measures.

The HEPASKIN project, launched on 23 November 2024, aims to strengthen cross-border healthcare access for the early detection and treatment of skin and liver cancers in the Romania-Serbia border region. In this initial phase, the project focused on setting up the implementation structure, launching awareness-raising actions, and laying the foundation for medical training and screening activities. Key achievements during this period include: Operationalization of project teams in both Romania and Serbia, including contracting 5 key staff members in Romania and finalizing team formation in Serbia. The first Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting was held online on 11 February 2025, officially launching the governance structure and coordination process. Educational and promotional content was prepared to raise awareness about skin and liver cancers: Terms of Reference were developed for 1,000 brochures, 100 posters, and two short videos. Facebook page HepaskinRORS00307 launched as a tool for engaging the general public. Awareness events and a launch conference were scheduled for the beginning of Period 2. Public presence and visibility of the project was ensured through: Press releases on both institutional websites (UMFVBT and GH Zrenjanin). A regional article in Serbia further amplifying public engagement. The curriculum for innovative training in liver cancer care was initiated, along with development of patient anamnesis tools. Preparation of procurement procedures began for educational materials and a cross-border medical register system. Added Value of Cross-Border Cooperation The cooperation between Romanian and Serbian institutions brings significant added value: Shared medical expertise fosters improved training programs tailored to both systems. Joint planning ensures consistent awareness messages and materials across the border. Data harmonization efforts through the development of cross-border registers will enable long-term collaboration in cancer prevention and treatment. This progress lays a solid foundation for the next steps in screening, treatment, and training activities, contributing to more equitable and efficient healthcare access in the region. Achievements per Partner: LP1 – UMFVBT (Romania) - Formed the project team: 5 contracts signed. - Conducted planning for all major activities: A1.1, A1.2, A1.4, A1.7. - Held first Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting online on 11 February 2025. - Prepared 2 public procurements: educational materials and registers. - Developed ToRs for: - Educational materials (skin and liver cancer): brochures, posters, short videos. - Cross-border register. - Created official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HepaskinRORS00307 - Published project description and press release on UMFVBT website. - Scheduled: - Awareness events and launch conference for 27 February 2025. - Training workshops in Month 4. - Community events. PP2 – GH Zrenjanin (Serbia) - Project team established; external members contracted. - Participated in JSC meeting (11 February 2025). - Completed: - Project description for GHZ website. - Press release published in regional media. - Visual identity activities (partial). - Initiated preparation of 2 procurements (to be published next period). - Began collaboration with LP1 on: - Curriculum development for liver cancer training. - Screening procedures. Deliverables & Outputs - ToRs for materials and registers (not submitted as deliverables). - Facebook presence and media campaigns ongoing. - Training plans and data tools under preparation. - No final outputs delivered for equipment or interventions in Period 1. The project has made substantial preparatory progress during Period 1 in awareness raising and capacity building. While no quantifiable outputs have yet been delivered, the activities are consistent with the expected early implementation phase of a healthcare project. The added value of cooperation is evident in joint planning, shared medical curriculum development, and coordinated communication efforts across borders. Significant measurable results (screening, training, data collection, surgeries) are expected in Periods 2 and 3. During Period 2, the project advanced significantly from the preparatory phase (Period 1) to visible implementation activities. Key milestones include: - Official Launch Conference (27.02.2025, Timișoara) with 70+ participants from Romania and Serbia. - Awareness actions: o Draft educational brochures, posters, and videos for skin and liver cancer. o Project Facebook pages created and active in both countries (RO: HepaskinRORS00307, RS: Hepaskin Interreg). o Public webinar “Together for Skin Cancer Prevention!” held on 21.05.2025, engaging the general public and professionals. - Training preparation: Draft Extended Medical History Questionnaires for skin and liver cancers developed jointly. Curricula structures for basic-level modules on prevention, screening, and diagnosis were agreed upon. - Procurement progress: o Romania: Launch of tenders for digital videodermatoscopy, ultrasound, electrosurgery platform, and DERMAPEN 4 kits. o Serbia: Completed procurement for promotion and website development (contracts signed for €2,600 and €3,500). - Visibility: Institutional websites published articles; UMFVBT promoted the project nationally, GHZr regionally. These actions strengthened cross-border cooperation, public outreach, and laid technical groundwork for screening and training in subsequent periods. Work Package Activities Activity A1.1 – Raising Awareness about Skin Cancer - Drafts for brochures, posters were developed. - Facebook page created: https://www.facebook.com/HepaskinRORS00307 - Webinar “Together for Skin Cancer Prevention!” conducted on May 21, 2025. - Promotion services for the launch event finalized. Deliverables: - D.1.1.1 Draft promotional materials - D.1.1.2 Facebook page - D.1.1.4 Visibility and communication materials (event photos, videos, attendance list) Activity A1.2 – Know-how Exchange and Innovative Training Activities - Extended Medical History Questionnaire for skin cancer drafted. - Participation in joint webinar. Deliverables: - Draft questionnaire Activity A1.4 – Raising Awareness about Liver Cancer - Technical specifications for educational materials finalized. - Production and website development ongoing. Activity A1.5 – Know-how Exchange and Innovative Training on Liver Cancer - Initiated questionnaire development for liver cancer. - Continued planning for joint training sessions with both partner teams. The third reporting period marked a major transition from preparatory work to intensive implementation of training, awareness, early screening and visibility activities. Both project partners—UMFVBT (LP) and GHZr (PP)—made substantial progress, contributing jointly to the advancement of key deliverables and the strengthening of cross-border cooperation. 1.1. Awareness and Visibility Activities (A.1.1 & A.1.4) GHZr (PP) completed the full package of promotional materials, in line with the tender requirements and programme rules. Deliverables included: - 250 brochures – skin cancer, 250 brochures – liver cancer - 25 posters – skin, 25 posters – liver - 1 roll-up banner, 1 permanent plaque, 50 self-adhesive equipment stickers - These materials support awareness raising and will accompany upcoming community-level outreach actions. In parallel, GHZr successfully established the project’s digital presence: - Creation of the Serbian Facebook page - Development and launch of the Serbian-language project website (https://hepaskin.rs), which recorded 27,779 views since opening - Facebook engagements reached 1,347 views Both partners disseminated information on the delivered training activities through institutional channels and project platforms. 1.2. Delivery of Theoretical Training Modules (A.1.2 & A.1.5) In close cooperation, UMFVBT and GHZr delivered six advanced theoretical webinars between 12–14 and 18–20 August 2025, forming the theoretical backbone of the training programme for skin and liver cancer. Webinars on Liver Cancer (A.1.5) 1. Hepatic Cancer – Surgical Management (12.08.2025) 2. Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (13.08.2025) 3. Ultrasound as the First-Line Modality in Liver Imaging (20.08.2025) Webinars on Skin Cancer (A.1.2) 4. Metastatic Melanoma – Imaging Features (14.08.2025) 5. The Importance of Screening in the Detection of Skin Cancer – Clinical Cases (18.08.2025) 6. Dermatology: Melanoma and Carcinoma (19.08.2025) These sessions addressed early detection, imaging, diagnostic workflows, videodermatoscopy, surgical approaches, microsurgery, and management pathways for high-risk patients. Participation exceeded expectations, with over 40 Serbian healthcare workers attending, and approximately 35 specialists per session. The theoretical trainings significantly advanced deliverables D.1.2.1 and D.1.5.1 (Cross-border Training Programmes in place), enriching the curriculum and reinforcing the medical expertise exchange between Romania and Serbia. 1.3. Initiation of Screening Activities and Surgical Treatments (A.1.3 & A.1.6) The preparatory phase for cross-border screening has been completed. Within UMFVBT, the RORS medical expert team has been formally constituted and the screening methodology validated. Most notably, practical screening and treatment have begun, and under the coordination of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Iulian Blidișel, four (4) surgical interventions for skin cancer have already been successfully performed, marking a key milestone for deliverables D.1.3.4 and D.1.6.1. 1.4. Development of Cross-border Medical Registries (A.1.7) Technical progress was achieved on the cross-border medical registry platform: - Definition of architecture, data model, and security requirements - Preparation of technical specifications for procurement - Planning of integration with equipment and training workflows - The tender for registry development is scheduled to be launched in the next reporting period. UMFVBT successfully launched, finalized, and received several major procurements essential for the operational phase. Deliveries included: - Ultrasound system - Videodermatoscope - Electrocautery platform - Dermapen - IT equipment: MacBook, laptop, iPad - Konica Minolta multifunctional printer The total contracted value for this equipment is 1,035,834.47 RON (approximately 204,375 EUR). These critical investments provide the foundation for state-of-the-art diagnostic capacity and modern imaging workflows, enabling the project's transition into its practical implementation phase. 1.6. Cross-border Cooperation Strengthened The period was marked by active collaboration between LP and PP in: - Joint planning and delivery of the theoretical training programme - Coordination for screening protocols and allocation of medical teams - Continuous information sharing and publication on the project’s communication channels - Preparing evidence and documentation necessary for consolidated reportingThis reinforced the institutional partnership and ensured aligned progress toward project results. The partners jointly delivered: - 6 high-level medical webinars (~200 total connections) - Comprehensive promotional materials and full digital visibility - Initiation of practical screening and 4 surgical interventions - Significant advancement of curricula and training deliverables - Major procurement finalised and equipment received - Technical preparation for cross-border medical registries During Reporting Period 4 (August–November 2025), the "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara (UMFVBT, LP) and the General Hospital „Đorđe Joanović” Zrenjanin (GHZ, PP) achieved significant progress in cross-border cooperation for skin and liver cancer care. The main achievement was the successful implementation of a joint training and equipment capacity-building programme. Thirteen online webinars and five practical on-site courses were organized in Timișoara, addressing early detection, diagnostic imaging, interventional procedures, surgical techniques, pathology, and anaesthetic management for both skin and liver cancer. Participation ranged from 20 to 44 healthcare professionals per session, reflecting strong engagement. The RORS medical expert teams were formally designated and reinforced with specialists, preparing for large-scale screening. A major milestone was the finalization and receipt of critical medical equipment procurements by UMFVBT. This included a videodermatoscope system, dermapen, high-performance ultrasound system, surgical sealing platform, and electrosurgical system. These investments, totaling approximately 1.8 million RON, provide the foundation for state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical capacity, enabling the project's transition into its practical implementation phase. GH Zrenjanin completed the procurement of essential IT hardware (12 PCs, 12 printers, 1 laptop) to support future registry implementation. Both partners jointly worked on defining the data structures for the cross-border cancer registers, drafting the technical specifications and preparing for the upcoming procurement. This period marked the consolidation of joint operational readiness for the next implementation phase.