Efficient, fast, and reduces the frequency of parallel care – this is how the telemedicine program launched by the Hungarian Malteser Charity Service within the framework of the SOLACE-CEE program can be briefly described.
As part of the pilot program, online GP care can be launched in three institutions helping homeless people, which are planned to involve at least 100-120 people monthly. Telemedicine allows for continuous control of chronic patients as well as long-term follow-up.
On one side of the computer, Dr. Gábor Belopotoczky awaits the patients, who can deal with 15-20 people during an online appointment. “Trust in healthcare and their own health is re-established,” he highlighted one of the strengths of the program. “The disadvantage is the lack of physical contact and a certain inaccuracy in diagnoses, but telemedicine is still much better than not receiving care at all,” says Dr. Gábor Belopotoczky. “The telemedicine program helps the most in accompanying chronic patients, analyzing findings, restoring trust in healthcare, and preventing paralell medication,” the gastroenterologist doctor summarized his experiences so far.
His work is supported by telemedicine assistants, who are social workers and telehealth assistants in one, and sit on the other side of the computer together with the patients in the shelters. “It’s good that we also hear what the doctor tells our clients, on the one hand, we know what we need to pay attention to, whether the medication dosage has changed or whether they have received a referral for a specialist appointment. This information is often lost when they go to the doctor’s appointment alone. On the other hand, we can also help our clients if they didn’t understand something or didn’t understand exactly what the doctor told them,” says Tímea Ozsváth, who helps the system operate by being present at the appointment, providing technical assistance, booking appointments and follow-ups, and managing clients.
“Many times I don’t understand what the doctor is saying, and then I look to Timi, who explains to me what I need to do,” says József, who is participating in the program. He was diagnosed with lung cancer when he had to go for a chest X-ray when he was admitted to the homeless shelter. Since then, he has been receiving treatment and participating in telemedicine services every two weeks.