Dr. Luminița Suveică – A Leader in the Development of Telemedicine in the Republic of Moldova

Dr. Luminița Suveică, Associate Professor at the Family Medicine Department of Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, is a pivotal figure in the modernization and digitalization of medical services in Moldova. With solid academic credentials as a doctor in medicine and a public health expert, Dr. Suveică is renowned for her contributions to endocrinology, nutrition, and community health.

A strong advocate for modern technologies in medicine, Dr. Suveică plays a key role in implementing telemedicine services nationwide. Collaborating with AO Homecare, she has contributed to innovative projects demonstrating telemedicine’s positive impact on patients’ lives.

Dr. Suveică, you are part of the telemedicine service developed by AO Homecare. Could you briefly explain what telemedicine entails and its role?

Luminița Suveică: Telemedicine involves using modern technology to provide medical services remotely. It allows patients to access healthcare without the need to visit a clinic or hospital physically. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of this system, making telemedicine a vital part of the healthcare infrastructure. It enables equitable access to healthcare, particularly for rural or disadvantaged communities where medical resources are limited. Furthermore, telemedicine plays a crucial role in preventing hospital overcrowding and improving medical efficiency.

Telemedicine serves multiple important roles in the current healthcare system. Firstly, it supports patients who cannot physically visit a medical facility due to distance or health issues. Secondly, it reduces hospital overcrowding by managing simple treatments and monitoring remotely. Additionally, it facilitates quick consultations with specialists regardless of location, providing immediate access to medical expertise. For instance, a rural patient with diabetes can receive swift guidance during an acute hypoglycemia episode. Thus, telemedicine not only saves lives but also optimizes healthcare system resources, especially in Moldova, where there is a severe shortage of medical personnel.

Is this service also available in rural areas?

Luminița Suveică: Absolutely. Patients in rural areas are the primary beneficiaries of telemedicine. It eliminates the need to travel to cities for consultations, saving time and financial resources. Telemedicine allows regular monitoring without interrupting daily activities. For example, a hypothyroidism patient can share lab results through an online platform and receive real-time treatment adjustments. Additionally, remote consultations reduce transportation costs and work absences, enabling patients to manage their health more flexibly and accessibly. These advantages significantly enhance the quality of life for patients in remote areas.

Does this service change the relationship between doctors and patients?

Luminița Suveică: Certainly. Telemedicine enables faster and more efficient communication between doctors and patients. Secure platforms allow the safe and confidential exchange of sensitive information. Video consultations provide personalized interaction, fostering a closer doctor-patient relationship even remotely. Patients can also offer constant feedback on the services, helping doctors improve their approach and methods. For example, a chronic disease patient can communicate daily with their doctor via a telemedicine platform, resolving issues promptly. This strengthens patients’ trust in the healthcare system.

How has telemedicine transformed healthcare? Can it play a role in patient education?

Luminița Suveică: Absolutely. Patient education is a cornerstone of modern telemedicine. Through telemedicine platforms, patients have access to various educational materials, including videos, practical guides, and awareness campaigns. These resources help patients better understand chronic illnesses and become more engaged in managing their health. For example, a diabetic patient can learn about balanced nutrition and proper blood glucose monitoring. Continuous education encourages patients to adopt healthy habits and prevent complications associated with chronic diseases.

What advantages have you identified in implementing telemedicine services? Are remote examinations and investigations different in any way?

Luminița Suveică: Remote examinations and investigations are among telemedicine’s greatest advantages. Doctors can analyze test results or imaging investigations directly through online platforms, saving time and resources. This process facilitates rapid diagnosis and more effective therapeutic decisions. For instance, a doctor at a central hospital can receive MRI images from a rural clinic and recommend appropriate treatment immediately. Furthermore, patients no longer need to travel for simple test interpretations, reducing stress and associated costs. This approach makes healthcare more accessible and faster.

How significant is the risk that patients might misunderstand the doctor’s instructions, potentially turning the sought help into a major problem?

Luminița Suveică: This is a very important question because clear communication and correct implementation of medical instructions are essential for successful treatment. In our telemedicine service, each patient is accompanied by a nurse during the consultation. The nurse ensures that the patient fully understands what needs to be done and clarifies any confusion on the spot. The nurse also continues to follow up with the patient after the consultation, monitoring adherence to the treatment and the correct application of the doctor’s instructions. This active supervision significantly reduces the risk of errors and helps prevent subsequent issues. Through this integrated collaboration between patient, doctor, and nurse, we ensure that treatment is both effective and safe for every patient.

How popular is the telemedicine service today?

Luminița Suveică: Telemedicine has seen significant growth in popularity, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of remote medical services. In Moldova, initiatives such as the “Technologies for the Future – Telemedicine in Homecare” project, implemented by AO Homecare, have demonstrated the immense potential of telemedicine in improving citizens’ health and quality of life.

Additionally, pilot projects such as “Digital Inclusion for Social Services and e-Health,” launched in 2022, have expanded access to online medical consultations for the elderly in rural areas. These initiatives reflect a global trend, with the telemedicine market estimated to reach USD 560 billion by 2027, highlighting a tremendous opportunity that Moldova is also embracing.

Thus, telemedicine is becoming increasingly popular, providing innovative solutions for access to quality healthcare services.

Can you quantify this popularity in Moldova?

Luminița Suveică: AO Homecare implemented the “Technologies for the Future – Telemedicine in Homecare in Moldova” project in partnership with Caritas Czech Republic and with financial support from the Czech Development Agency. This project equipped eight medical-social centers with the necessary technology to offer telemedicine services and trained the relevant staff. Additionally, consultations were provided for 3,870 individuals via the e-homecare.md platform in fields such as endocrinology, cardiology, gastroenterology, general medicine, and psychological counseling.

Telemedicine projects, like those carried out by AO Homecare, have a specific time frame. What happens after such a project ends, considering that one has already concluded?

Luminița Suveică: It is true that AO Homecare projects, such as “Technologies for the Future – Telemedicine in Homecare in Moldova,” have a limited duration in terms of funding and official execution. However, their impact continues to be felt long-term. The acquired equipment, such as medical and personal care tools, remains available to the medical-social centers, ensuring the continuity of the services provided.

Moreover, the experience gained by medical personnel and assistants involved in the projects contributes to better management of future cases. Strong partnerships, such as the one with Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) A Corporation (PCUSA), are driven by the desire to provide continuous support and dignity to those in need, whether they are refugees, vulnerable individuals, or patients with chronic illnesses. This ongoing support is not limited to a temporary project but becomes part of AO Homecare’s mission to improve the quality of life for those in need.

As a result of implementing this service, a waiting list of 6,000 individuals has been created. We cannot disappoint these people now.

To what extent does the state support you? Is the Government or the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova interested in developing such a service?

Luminița Suveică: The Government, through the Ministry of Health of Moldova, has shown significant interest in developing telemedicine services, integrating them into the national health strategy. In June 2023, the Executive approved the “Health 2030” National Strategy, which aims to modernize the health system to meet citizens’ needs and provide equitable access to high-quality services.

One of the strategy’s objectives is the digitalization of the health system, an essential component for the efficient implementation of telemedicine. Additionally, the strategy emphasizes integrated and quality medical services for all, implying the use of modern technologies in healthcare delivery. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to supporting and developing telemedicine services, recognizing their crucial role in ensuring healthcare access for all citizens, regardless of location.

Do you think AO Homecare’s experience is valuable and can be adopted by state institutions?

Luminița Suveică: Absolutely. AO Homecare’s experience is a clear example of best practices in utilizing modern technologies to address the population’s health needs, particularly in rural or disadvantaged communities. Projects like telemedicine services have demonstrated their effectiveness not only in providing rapid access to medical consultations but also in reducing costs and improving patients’ quality of life.

Additionally, AO Homecare has developed an efficient infrastructure and trained qualified personnel, which can serve as a model for public institutions. For instance, medical-social centers equipped with modern tools and an integrated patient monitoring process could be expanded nationally with government support.

Integrating this experience into state institutions could accelerate the digitalization of the health system and contribute to the implementation of the Health 2030 National Strategy. However, strong partnerships between the public and private sectors and financial support are needed to adapt and expand these initiatives. In this way, what started as a pilot initiative could become a central pillar of Moldova’s healthcare system.

Distribuie acest articol: