Telemedicine in Greek Remote Areas during CoViD-19 Outbreak: The case of Lakonia

Abstract

The Hospital Unit of Molaoi (H.U.M.) organized telemedicine workshops in remote areas of Laconia province (South Greece), giving citizens the opportunity to undergo specialized medical examinations, free of charge and without moving from their homes, during the SARS- CoV-2 virus pandemic. These workshops are aimed at the prevention, the early diagnosis, and the general promotion of Primary Health Care. The implementation of the pro- gram was based on the principles of Telemedicine via the use of the advanced technology systems of the Vodafone Foundation. The examinations which took place during the telemedicine work included a brief medical history of each participant, hematological exams, cardiological inspection, vital signs monitoring, and – in the case of women over 45- an assessment of the current status of menopause. Furthermore, a questionnaire was distributed to participants to explore their opinions and views regarding the useful- ness of Telemedicine. The study population was selected through geographical criteria and specifically by taking into consideration the kilometer and/or the hourly distance of each rural area from the nearest Health center (primary or secondary). The telemedicine workshops took place on a given date and based on a specific timetable, in accordance with the safe- ty protocols of the National Public Health Organization in Greece (EODY, www.eody.gov.gr), for the CoViD-19 infec- tion. The processing and analysis of the health examina- tions were done in real-time by specialized Doctors of the Hospital, via the use of telemedicine technologies and the results (along with relevant medical instructions) were delivered personally to each examinee, a few days later. From July 2020 to October 2021, 11 Telemedicine workshops took place and a total of 535 citizens of rural areas, aged 15 to 99 years, were examined. According to the results, the general level of citizens’ health can be considered satisfactory, with only six (6) people requiring emergency health treatment and 10% of those examined, being referred for further health examination on a regular basis. The project has contributed to disease prevention and the creation of an electronic medical record file which in the future will help doctors in these remote areas to have com- prehensive monitoring of the health of each resident.