Leading with Purpose: Vision, Responsibility, and Teamwork in Action
As the Lead Partner of the DIGI4Care Danube Interreg project, we are proud to see the project gain momentum as it enters its final phase. During the recent Interregional Partner Meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria, in early October, our experts participated in a highly productive three-day program.
Our institute was represented at the meeting by Dr. Réka Kovács, Dr. Viktória Vadas, Dr. Borbála Bessenyey, Boglárka Bíró-Barkaszi, Ágnes Makai, and Gábor Kovács.
Together with our partners, we took significant steps toward fulfilling the DIGI4Care mission: transforming patient journeys through digital innovation across the Danube Region.
Highlights of the event included
- a review of project progress and achievements,
- peer visits to Bulgarian pilot sites,
- a workshop translating observations into actionable steps,
- and a Pilot Coordination Workshop covering implementation status, data collection, and outcome evaluation.
Advancements on dashboards, the Training Toolbox, business models, sustainability, transferability, and policy recommendations were also discussed. Additionally, the recording of the DIGI4Care 6 episode series also commenced in Sofia.
Reflections and Key Takeaways
Pilot implementation is a challenging process, with potential obstacles ranging from legislative barriers to workforce engagement and adapting preliminary plans to real-world practices. Yet the DIGI partnership demonstrates resilience and innovation.
After three days of insightful presentations and interactive workshops, we are confident that pilot results will not only identify structural barriers to digital innovation but also highlight practical solutions that can be replicated across the Danube Interreg region.
Horizontal tasks like policy focus, evaluation, data management, and communication all serve as accelerators for successful project execution. Through collaboration, they foster meaningful dialogue and tangible impact.
The detailed summary can be found at the host’s (DHI Cluster) website:
DIGI4Care in Sofia: How Digitalization Transforms Early Diagnosis and Patient Care
Pilot Activities by HSMTC
A dedicated team of experts from our institute, Health Services Management Training Centre of Semmelweis University (HSMTC) drives the project with shared responsibility and commitment to modernize traditional care pathways.
In one pilot, we enhance early detection and prevention of diabetic retinopathy by integrating AI-powered screening technologies into general practice patient pathways.
Another pilot, conducted in collaboration with our Austrian partners (LBI) and Hungarian Emergency Services, evaluates the effectiveness of teledidactic versus hands-on training for point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) skills in prehospital emergency medical services (EMS).
We look forward to sharing early results during the project’s closing phase next year.
Upcoming Event: NEVES Fórum
Participants are invited to meet the team at the next NEVES Forum, hosted by HSMTC on 27 November 2025 in Budapest. The forum will feature expert presentations on pilot goals and experiences and will explore how these innovations can strengthen patient safety and support everyday clinical practice.
Interactive elements, including a quiz and audience Q&A, will allow participants to actively engage, share insights, and discuss practical applications.
The forum is primarily aimed at healthcare professionals in prevention, primary care, emergency and outpatient services, and chronic disease management, as well as other interested stakeholders.
More information and registration details can be found here: