July 25, 2024
Interviews
A visit to the doctor can be an uncomfortable experience for the elderly or people with reduced mobility. Telemedicine is a promising solution as it can provide remote access to health services for people from different parts of Moldova. Ana and Radu decided to volunteer and assist people in Moldova to use the telemedicine services. They share with us how this practice enriched their own lives and brought a smile on the faces of people they got to help.
Caritas Czech Republic is helping to integrate telemedicine into the healthcare system in Moldova. As part of the initiative, we also selected a number of volunteers, such as you, to help patients use the telemedicine services. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Ana: I am 34 years old, and I am from Răzeni, Moldova. I decided to volunteer at the ESTERA home care centre, so I can help the elderly people, who are sensitive and need extra attention. In every elderly person we have a mother, a grandfather, a grandmother, waiting for us to offer them support, patience, love.
Radu: I am also 34 years old, from Horești village, Moldova. As a volunteer at the St. Theodora Medical and Social Centre, I am here to help people with health problems and people who live alone.
How did you find out about the volunteer position and what was the main reason you decided to join?
Ana: I learned about it from my family doctor's nurse. My passion is to help people, especially people with different health problems, because I understand their situation, as I also take care of a child with autism.
Radu: I heard about the opening of the St Theodora Centre from people in the village and decided to become a volunteer. My wish is to help the elderly people and people who live alone.
What would you say are the main challenges people face while using the telemedicine platforms, and how do you address these challenges?
Ana: Many patients face acute health problems and either cannot use information technologies or lack internet access. Palliative care patients especially need constant communication and psychological support, and they often struggle with limited access to specialists, with wait times up to a month. I patiently listen to patients' needs and am glad they trust me. They are happy to receive specialist consultations through telemedicine, which helps address these significant challenges.
Radu: One of the main challenges people encounter is the difficulty in using information technologies, particularly in rural areas where it is difficult to connect to the internet for online consultations. In such situations, I strive to be patient and attentive, to communicate with them calmly and address any questions they may have.
You are succeeding in managing all the challenges with patience and dedication. What would be the main lessons you learned as a volunteer?
Ana: Since I am in contact with many elderly people, people who live alone, and patients in need of palliative care, I learned how to give them support, put a smile on their face, thus improving their wellbeing. In my volunteering experience I learned about computer systems, data confidentiality and teamwork.
Radu: During my volunteering experience, I learned how to better understand patients' needs and concerns, how to communicate with them and provide support. For me, it was important to adapt quickly to the various problems of the people and learn to find effective solutions. At the same time, I have acquired technical knowledge and knowledge to interpret medical data. In addition, I learned to respect patients' rights and protect their personal information.
Throughout your volunteering experience, you have met many people and assisted patients who require palliative care. How has this journey impacted you personally?
Ana: I feel like I have gained a big family and a well-organised team through my volunteering experience. It has taught me a lot about collaboration, communication, and sharing best practices. I am really grateful for this opportunity. They say when you help others, the universe helps you, and I truly believe in that.
Radu: Through volunteering, I have acquired valuable social work skills, experience, and made friends. Being a part of this volunteer group brings me joy, knowing I am able to contribute to the community I live in and, above all, to the people who need our help.
“People we help are very happy for the telemedicine initiative and are thankful for the received help,” say Ana and Radu.
Caritas Czech Republic facilitates access to remote medical consultations through telemedicine
In today's digital era, telemedicine is emerging as a beacon of hope, providing essential health and social care to the elderly people, people with limited mobility and those living in remote regions. Caritas Czech Republic actively supports the progress of health infrastructure in Moldova. We have opened 11 home care centres and provide telemedicine services in Moldova thanks to financial support from the Czech Development Agency.
Ana and Radu’s volunteering experience exemplify how telemedicine services allow people they help to have medical consultations directly from their homes, in a shorter time.
