Articles and Publications
HCSOM pilots launched with anniversary training
In two years, 12,425 patients were treated by 38 doctors in difficult circumstances, most of whom had been without a GP for years in small villages, thanks to the Attila Naszlady Health Development Programme launched by the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service with EU support. During telemedicine consultations, which have been available since March 2023, a medical assistant in a mobile clinic equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment assists with the examination of patients, which is carried out by a doctor from a distance of up to several hundred kilometres. On 6 March 2023, telemedicine consultations were launched at five locations in the Catching Up Settlements Programme, representing a unique innovation in healthcare and bringing significant international recognition to Hungary.
This was the second anniversary of the telemedicine programme, and to mark the occasion, we launched our pilot activities with a high-quality professional training course as part of the S4H project: On 6 March, to mark the second anniversary of the Maltese Charity Service’s telemedicine-based health programme in catch-up settlements, we held an accredited training course in Bicskén as part of the Hungarian medical training system.
More than 60 doctors participated in the comprehensive one-day training course, and we are already working on its continuation due to the many positive responses we received.
HCSOM Pilots Expand with Telemedicine Measurement
Starting in May, the HCSOM pilots of the S4H project have entered a new phase with the inclusion of telemedicine appointment measurements. The pilot actions are built on three pillars: education, testing of innovative care models, and patient follow-up. As part of this expansion, we have begun collecting data and testing tools for non-communicable disease (NCD) screening and care in participating municipalities.
This was the second anniversary of the telemedicine programme, and to mark the occasion, we launched our pilot activities with a high-quality professional training course as part of the S4H project: On 6 March, to mark the second anniversary of the Maltese Charity Service’s telemedicine-based health programme in catch-up settlements, we held an accredited training course in Bicskén as part of the Hungarian medical training system.
More than 60 doctors participated in the comprehensive one-day training course, and we are already working on its continuation due to the many positive responses we received.
Supporting Healthcare for IDPs in Uzhgorod (Ukraine) “InterFamily”’s Ongoing Pilot Project on NCD Screening As Part of the SHOWUP4Health Project
The Family Medicine Clinic „InterFamily” is successfully running a special pilot project within the framwork of the SHOWUp4Health Project in Uzhgorod, aimed at supporting the health of internally displaced people (IDPs). The initiative focuses on early screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and mental health disorders.
A Three-Part Approach to Better Health
This project is built on three main pillars. Firstly, InterFamily delivers targeted training sessions (2-3 hours) for doctors, nurses, and clinic staff. T hese sessions aim to equip healthcare professionals with the skills to:
- Educate patients and plan NCD screenings
- Manage patients diagnosed with chronic conditions
- Provide rehabilitation support after major health events, such as strokes or heart attacks
Tacking Hidden Mental Health Challenges
The InterFamily team has observed that many IDPs tend to report physical symptoms that may mask underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. In response:
- Specialised screening tools and communication techniques have been integrated into training
- A support network enables doctors to consult mentors and mental health specialists
- Patients have access to free psychological support from family doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists, funded through a dedicated grant
Leveraging Digital Tools to Enhance Care
A key innovation in the project is the use of a web-based tool:
- CheckMe – A digital health advisor that assists healthcare professionals in planning screenings for hidden diseases and provides personalised health recommendations. This tool is particularly valuable when working with IDPs.
Backed by the SHOWUP4Health Grant
The SHOWUP4Health grant supports a multidisciplinary team of seven healthcare professionals, including:
- Family medicine experts Team
- A cardiologist
- An endocrinologist
- A psychiatrist
- A team of psychologists
- Family nurses
- A mobile unit providing care for elderly residents in nursing homes
Community Engagement and Continuous Evaluation
The project is implemented in partnership with local NGOs, camp leaders, and community stakeholders to ensure accessible and coordinated service provision. To monitor and improve its effectiveness, the team:
- Tracks the number of screenings conducted before and after training
- Collects feedback from healthcare personnel
- Assesses how effectively new skills are applied
- Reviews progress regularly to identify areas for improvement
Through the integration of training, digital innovation, specialist support, and strong community partnerships, “InterFamily” aims to strengthen healthcare services for displaced populations, enhance effectiveness and sustainability, and ensure long-term impact.
The project was presented internationally at the 100th EGPRN Conference of Family Physicians in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Training of ”InterFamily” Staff on Web based Screening Advisor Program CheckMe
The Poster for outdoor activities of “InterFamily”
POCUS (Point of care Ultrasound) training conducted for the family medicine doctors’ team of “InterFamily” clinic and now implemented into undergraduate medical training.
Web based Screening Advisor Program CheckMe – A digital health advisor that helps doctors to plan screening of hidden diseases and gives personalized health recommendations.
An open-air event was also organised in Uzhhorod to promote and carry out screenings for local citizens.
Care in the Open Air: Health Awareness Event Held in Uzhhorod As Part of the SHOWUP4Health Project
On 29 April 2025, in the very heart of Uzhhorod — Teatralna Square — a warm and truly meaningful open-air event took place, dedicated to one of life’s greatest treasures: our health.
The event was organised by the medical team of the InterFamily Clinic, in collaboration with faculty members, interns, and students from the Department of Family Medicine and Outpatient Care at the Faculty of Medicine No. 2, Uzhhorod National University (UzhNU). The aim was to raise awareness of preventive healthcare and to encourage responsible attitudes towards personal well-being.
As part of the event, the team introduced CheckMe — an innovative digital tool designed to help individuals create a personalised, evidence-based preventive care plan. Based on a person’s age, gender, lifestyle, and medical history, CheckMe generates tailored recommendations for screenings, vaccinations, and other preventive measures aligned with global clinical guidelines.
Throughout the day, residents of Uzhhorod had the opportunity to:
- receive free consultations from healthcare professionals
- undergo basic health screenings (blood pressure, blood glucose levels, body mass index)
- learn about their personal risk factors
- receive guidance on healthy lifestyle practices
- explore educational materials on vaccination, cardiovascular disease prevention, diabetes, and cancer screening
Special attention was given to different age groups — including young adults, middle-aged individuals, and older people — with a particular focus on vulnerable internally displaced persons (IDPs). The organisers emphasised that prevention is not merely about early diagnosis; it is a proactive step towards a longer, healthier life.
CheckMe is about care. About awareness. And about science working for people.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who took part — the doctors, interns, students, and, most importantly, the residents of Uzhhorod who stopped by, asked questions, listened, and took a step towards better health. Together, we are helping to build a culture of health-conscious living.
In May 2025 HESED revives the health promotion and brings it back as main focus for team and activities
In the previous months, HESED team was very busy. We had intensive internal discussions on the pilot details; we had to design and elaborate the primary documentation and procedures for prevention and screening; we had meetings with crucial stakeholders to establish the local pathways for treatment and follow-up of NCD.
With the start of the spring, we give start to the health project and activities!
Now the health outreach workers are recruited and selected; their training has started and will continue with learning by doing; and their outreach work is scheduled and put into routine.
When meeting people, the outreach workers fill in a special screening questionnaire and measure the waist and the blood pressure of the person. Then the results are calculated and the person is consulted about the possible risks and the next steps he/she should take. The outreach workers pay special attention to the health insurance status of their clients and motivate them to visit their GP more regularly, if they have one. If the person is uninsured and does not have a GP, s/he is referred to other medical services offered by HESED in the neighborhood free of charge.
For a period of less than month when the health outreach activities are available in the Roma community, more than 70 people participated in the screening and many of them received additional support, consultations and medical attention.
HESED marked the World Hypertension Day
To promote the World Hypertension Day, HESED team decided to support Roma people to join the massive campaign of Sofia Municipality for preventive cardiological check-ups free of charge. The Roma community was informed about this possibility through special post in social media channels.
In the period between 17 and 31 May 2025 the team of HESED works actively to make appointments for Roma people in need of cardiological consultation. The examinations are free but available by appointment only at a selected medical facility. Cardiologists perform a clinical examination, as well as an electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography (EchoCG), if indicated.
As the medical centres are located out of the Roma neighborhoods, it is usually very difficult for many Roma people to make the appointment by themselves and then to reach the place. And here come to help the HESED outreach workers who can accompany those people most in need.
Many Roma people have never undertaken any prophylaxis or screening. Big part of them have high blood pressure but they do not know about it or have no resources to control their condition by themselves and need support.
For just one week HESED team made more than 45 appointments for cardiological examinations. Many people were accompanied by HESED outreach and social workers. The needs are big and the numbers are increasing.
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