The first round table within the cross-border EU project RE-TREAD was held in Apatin
As part of the cross-border project "Improvement of diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation methods in special hospitals of the cross-border area" RE-TREAD, co-financed from the Interreg IPA cross-border cooperation program Croatia-Serbia 2021-2027, the first round table was held in the Special Rehabilitation Hospital "JUNAKOVIĆ" Apatin. The RE-TREAD project is aimed at improving the efficiency of health care for the elderly and people with disabilities in the cross-border area through the modernization of medical services and infrastructure in special hospitals in Novi Sad, Apatin and Lipik.
The round table brought together expert teams from partner hospitals specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, who presented the results of their work so far and plans for further improvement of rehabilitation services.
DNS and SCHROTH methods
One of the most important components of the project is the introduction of DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization) and the Schroth method - advanced rehabilitation techniques for the treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. These methods help to improve balance, reduce pain and restore mobility.
The expert teams of the partner hospitals have successfully completed the education for Schroth as well as two modules of the DNS education. During the round table prof. Dr. Jelena Zvekić Svorcan from the Special Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases Novi Sad presented the Schroth method, the goal of which is to restore postural balance, slow down or prevent further deterioration of the scoliotic curve, improve respiratory functions, and improve clinical status.
Ivan Žilić, the chief physiotherapist of Toplica Lipik, presented the DNS method, which enables individualized therapeutic programs for the prevention and rehabilitation of painful spine syndromes, as well as improving functional abilities in activities of daily life.
Comparative analysis
As part of the project activities, all three partner hospitals conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of existing rehabilitation methods on samples of 120 elderly patients each.
They used standardized questionnaires to assess functional abilities, cognitive functions and associated health conditions.
The goal of the analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of existing approaches (physiotherapy, kinesitherapy, hydrotherapy), identify room for improvement and determine guidelines for adapting DNS and Schroth rehabilitation methods to the specifics of the target population of the cross-border area.
The results are combined in a unique comparative analysis that enables the optimization of future therapeutic protocols.
Prof. Dr. Ksenija Bošković from the Special Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases Novi Sad presented the combined results of hospitals in Novi Sad and Apatin, while Dr. Ivan Pavao Čevizović presented data for Lipik Spa.
Mobile teams for continuous care at home
The innovative concept of mobile rehabilitation teams was specially presented at the round table by Assoc. Dr. Tanje Janković from the Special Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases Novi Sad. Each partner hospital formed a mobile team/teams of three experts who will provide educational and consultative services. These teams will enable continuous monitoring of progress after discharge from the hospital, telephone and electronic counseling, as well as connection to the multimedia portal for rehabilitation. The discussion particularly highlighted the adaptation of the approach to the specifics of each hospital's patients, thus providing personalized care that goes beyond the traditional frameworks of institutional treatment.
The round table ended with a comprehensive discussion on new trends and challenges in the physical rehabilitation of the elderly population, in which experts from all three partner hospitals participated. Prof. Dr. Ksenija Bošković from the Special Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases Novi Sad, Dr. Nikola Malbaša from the Special Hospital "Junaković" Apatin and Dr. Ivan Pavao Čevizović from Lipik Spa shared their experiences and professional insights on the challenges and possibilities of modern rehabilitation.
The discussion identified the key challenges of modern rehabilitation of elderly people with complex associated diseases, especially emphasizing the importance of a team approach that combines medical, psychological and social aspects of rehabilitation. This interdisciplinary approach additionally supports continuous project efforts aimed at improving the quality of rehabilitation services and developing improved protocols.
This round table represents a significant step in the continuous implementation of the RE-TREAD project, whose comprehensive approach - from initial analysis, through intensive training, to the procurement of modern equipment - systematically improves rehabilitation services in the cross-border area. The combination of advanced rehabilitation methods, robotic technology and mobile teams creates an integrated model of care that enables personalized therapeutic programs adapted to the needs of the elderly population. The project thus lays the foundation for future standards of the region
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