A Ukrainian delegation composed of members of the Act4Health Project and Vseturbota Initiative and representatives of the Ministry of Social Policy and Ministry of Health visited Albania to exchange experiences with the HAP Project focusing on integrated medical and social home-based care. The study tour aimed to share best practices, foster collaboration, and develop innovative strategies for enhancing home care services for individuals with limited mobility and chronic conditions.
This three-day tour was an opportunity for the Ukrainian team to meet and discuss with HAP’s health experts, including Albanian officials, healthcare professionals, and social workers. Participants exchanged expertise on service delivery models and their relevance for resource-constrained environments, discussed personal data sharing and protection mechanisms and conducted site visits to get first-hand experience regarding patient care processes and staff coordination within the health centre.
The programme began with an overview of the Act4Health and HAP projects. Participants shared insights on home-based care services, including a comparative analysis of care models in Albania and Ukraine. Discussions highlighted Albania’s service delivery frameworks, followed by a meeting with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection representatives and the deputy minister Ms. Mira Rakacolli.
Site visits were conducted in two groups. One group visited the Patos Health Centre, Fier engaging with local healthcare teams and discussing service delivery models. The visit concluded with a stop at the Apollonia Archaeological Park. The other group explored the Dajç Health Centre, followed by a visit to Shkodër Castle. Both teams gained valuable insights into daily operations and collaboration within the family medicine team.
The final day focused on specialised care models, including palliative and psychosocial support. Delegates toured Ryder Albania, a non-profit organisation providing home-based palliative care. The event concluded with a roundtable discussion, where participants reflected on lessons learned and possible recommendations for adapting Albanian practices in Ukraine.
The Ukranian delegation expressed deep appreciation for the shared lessons which undoubtedly gave them valuable insights about improving service delivery for patients.