EGTC GO (SALUTE-ZDRAVSTVO project)

EGTC GO implemented a project aimed at improving patient care within the framework of the 2014-2020 Italian-Slovenian Interreg program. The integrated territorial investment project, called SALUTE-ZDRAVSTVO, aimed to establish and train three cross-border professional working groups on mental health, autism, and pregnancy. In addition, a joint Italian-Slovenian center and appointment system (CUP) was set up to coordinate the services of healthcare institutions operating in the EGTC area. These results were preceded by several analyses that served as a basis for identifying differences between the Italian and Slovenian healthcare and social care systems.

With the establishment of the joint booking system (CUP), patients can book appointments for healthcare treatment on both sides of the border using the same method. In addition to technical (IT) developments, the establishment of a unified network also encountered administrative and legal obstacles. These were overcome through cooperation between the Slovenian Central Health Office and the Department of Social Policy and Disability of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region. Thanks to the partnership, a list of services and locations available through the new system was drawn up. The new system was put into operation in April 2021.

The three working groups were set up along similar lines.

• The mental health group developed guidelines and a joint development model to provide guidance on the rehabilitation of people with mental illness and on improving the quality and accessibility of cross-border services. The work was complemented by infrastructure development (the creation of premises for group work).
• The group dealing with autism set itself the goal of early diagnosis of the disease. To this end, the members of the working group drew up a common protocol and learned a new diagnostic method through training. The necessary purchases were also made to learn and apply this method (ESDM).
• The working group dealing with obstetrics also developed a uniform methodology for the treatment of pregnant women. The adaptation of the new methodology was laid down in a cross-border agreement and the range of jointly provided services (such as antenatal classes, baby swimming, etc.) was defined. As part of the infrastructure developments, the maternity ward was renovated.

In addition, a cross-border social care network has been set up for disadvantaged groups. The social network, which has a separate protocol, operates three information points in the EGTC municipalities, where patients can find out about the services available in the border region.