Moldova: Continuity of care in case of catastrophic health events – Care4Living

Health authorities (Ministry of Health, National Health Insurance Company, National Agency of Public Health and Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices); health service providers responsible for emergency, primary health care and rehabilitation; stakeholders outside of the health system (police, rescue service).

Final beneficiaries: Present and future patients (incl. refugees) suffering from or at risk of developing life-threatening conditions (strokes, heart attacks) or with severe multiple traumas, and those in need of rehabilitation.

Outcome 1: Moldovan health authorities and de-facto authorities in Transnistrian region create favourable conditions for developing an integrated, responsive and efficient emergency care system and rehabilitation services.

Outcome 2: Healthcare providers ensure equitable access to early, quality, and safe emergency care and rehabilitation services.

Outcome 3: People across Moldova (incl. professionals outside of the healthcare system, general population and refugees) have increased awareness and literacy to act adequately in medical emergencies and know how to use the emergency services appropriately.

Principaux résultats attendus:  

• Moldovan Health authorities have the necessary regulatory and payment mechanisms and capacities to manage the emergency healthcare system and the new rehabilitation services. They develop evidence-based clinical guidelines, procedures and quality assurance tools for healthcare providers
• Hospitals and health centers have upgraded facilities and modern medical equipment. Health professionals have enhanced capacities to provide emergency care and rehabilitation services
• General population and stakeholders outside of health system (police, rescue services) are informed about life-threatening medical emergencies and have basic knowledge and skills to provide by-stander emergency care (first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation)

Principaux résultats antérieurs:   In cases of catastrophic health events, the patients’ chances for survival and recovery depend on the geographical location, because specialized care is concentrated in the capital city and modern medical transport is lacking. In addition, the emergency care services are overused for non-urgent cases. Rehabilitation should be initiated concomitantly with acute care in order to prevent complications, support recovery, and reduce disability. However, many patients are discharged from hospitals without rehabilitation. About 60% of Moldova’s population needs rehabilitation services; two-thirds of these needs remain unmet. Health inequalities leading to delayed or inadequate medical care with serious consequences are much more visible in the breakaway region of Transnistria, where the survival rate in cases of catastrophic health events is very low.