A telemedicine model for the world’s remote populations: Exploring the success of the Greek National Telemedicine Network

Clinical decision support has been essential to Greek National Telemedicine Network outcomes

The success of the EDIT will be further advanced due to strategic integration of clinical decision support (through UpToDate®).

This level of support acts as a complement and enhancement to existing features and benefits of the Greek framework—elevating the availability of telemedicine in remote areas through access to evidence-based medicine for both patients and providers. Patients receive the benefits of leading advances in clinical and drug decision support immediately at the point of care. Providers experience sophisticated professional training and continually upgraded medical skills that keep up with scientific research. The integration also enables junior doctors to access advanced medical educational resources, while using the telemedicine platform—a benefit to the EDIT in attracting new physicians.

UpToDate® is nested in the telemedicine system, supporting features including:

• Multi-language support
• An embedded scheduler
• An intuitive user interface
• Seamless integration with existing teleconferencing systems
• ICD-10 and HL7 readiness
• Device Gateway for medical equipment integration

Greece simultaneously celebrates success and expansion of telemedicine

The program has rolled out strategically in three stages and will eventually cover all inhabited small islands.

• Stage 1: Began in 2016 with 43 telemedicine stations
• Stage 2: Launched in 2020 with 29 additional telemedicine stations (totaling 72 stations)
• Stage 3: Began in 2023 with 10 additional telemedicine stations and 90 home care sites (totaling 82 stations)

Stage 4, which is being rolled out in 2024,  comprises 305 new telemedicine stations and 3,000 home care sites. By its planned maturity date of 2026, the project is slated to expand to over 800 certified and trained clinical users and 82 supporting hospitals—ultimately facilitating an estimated 160,000 telemedicine appointments. EDIT’s primary health care arm will connect with hospitals to extend care while also supporting prevention, wellness, emergency support, and training.

The future of the Greek National Telemedicine Network relies on clinical decision support

To support continued expansion of the program, the Greek Ministry of Health is investing in promotional activities to boost engagement with telemedicine services across all sites. The country is also preparing for national coverage  as the next phase of evolution of the program.

This is why UpToDate® has been an ideal fit for the health ministry’s goals of expanding telemedicine services and improving outcomes while also providing continuous learning for doctors. As rates of diabetes, cancer, and infant mortality increase and the country faces growing primary health challenges, extending the reach of evidence-based clinical decision-making will be critical to the future healthcare equity across all of Greece.