CARES Project Stakeholder Meeting in Kujawsko-Pomorskie

Summary of the study visit to Odense
A meeting of stakeholders of the CARES project, which aims to develop telecare and telemedicine for the elderly, was held on December 9. The event brought together representatives of the academic of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship, institutions involved in the care of seniors, as well as representatives of the units coordinating the project on behalf of the voivodeship - the Marshal's Office of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship and the Regional Center for Social Policy in Toruń. The main purpose of the meeting was to summarize the study visit, which took place on November 13-14 in Odense, Denmark. During the visit, participants were able to see how the Southern Denmark Region - a leader in the digitization of health services - is implementing innovative telecare solutions. Of particular note were practices such as:

• Remote medical consultations and telemonitoring, enabling real-time diagnosis of health problems without the need for visits to medical facilities.
• Medical bags for nurses, allowing them to perform examinations at the patient's home.
• Health monitoring algorithms that support medical personnel in responding quickly to emergencies. 

The visit was also characterized by public-private sector cooperation - thanks to the partnership of technological companies with health centers, tools have been developed that are realistically improving the quality of life of seniors.

Exchange of experience and plans for implementation
During the meeting, participants discussed the possibilities of implementing Danish practices in Kujawsko-Pomorskie region. Representatives of the Collegium Medicum of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun presented good practices from the Southern Denmark Region, highlighting the potential of telecare, telemedicine and innovation in geriatric care.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of geriatric suits, which allow a better understanding of the challenges of seniors' daily lives. By being able to try them on, participants were able to experience the limitations faced by seniors, which can help develop tools to support their independence.

Telecare - the future of senior care
Europe's demographic challenges clearly indicate that telemedicine and telecare are not only the future, but already the present of modern health systems. In order to effectively implement these solutions, both technology and investment in the development of digital competence of medical personnel are necessary.
The meeting ended with an exchange of opinions on the prospects for the development of telecare services in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship and plans for further activities within the CARES project.