First Round Table of EU Project RE-TREAD Successfully Held in Apatin

Within the framework of the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia-Serbia program implementation, the first-round table of the project “Enhancement of diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation methods in specialized hospitals of the cross-border area” (RE-TREAD) was held on 29^th October 2025 at the Special Hospital for Rehabilitation “Junaković” in Apatin. The event brought together project partners from both countries to present comprehensive patient analysis results and discuss plans for further improvement of rehabilitation services.

Patient analysis results and key findings

As part of project activities, all three partner hospitals conducted comprehensive comparative analysis of existing rehabilitation methods on samples of 120 elderly patients each, using standardized questionnaires to assess functional abilities, cognitive functions and associated health conditions. The analysis revealed significant demographic and clinical patterns across the cross-border region.

Female patients predominate in all institutions, representing 70.8% in Apatin and 72.3% in Lipik, indicating higher prevalence of degenerative conditions requiring rehabilitation in women. The most common treatment reasons vary by location: back pain (dorsalgia) affects 38.3% of patients in Apatin and 35.3% in Lipik, while hip arthritis (coxarthrosis) represents 21.7% in Apatin and 28.6% in Lipik. Arterial hypertension emerged as the leading comorbidity, present in 80.8% of patients in Apatin and 63% in Lipik, highlighting the complex health profiles of elderly rehabilitation patients.

Advanced methods and equipment modernization

One of the most significant project components involves the introduction of DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization) and Schroth methods – advanced rehabilitation techniques for treating musculoskeletal disorders. Expert teams from partner hospitals have successfully completed training for implementing these methods, while robotic rehabilitation equipment has been procured for Lipik and Novi Sad, with Apatin enhancing its hydrotherapy facilities. These technological improvements represent a measured advancement in cross-border healthcare cooperation.

Mobile teams and future development

Each partner hospital has formed a mobile team of three specialists who will provide educational and consultative services, enabling continuous monitoring of progress after hospital discharge and connection with the future multimedia rehabilitation portal. The majority of patients live in family environments – 72.5% in Apatin and 86.5% in Lipik – which enables continuous access to rehabilitation and potential for long-term success of these mobile team interventions.

The RE-TREAD project is funded within the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia-Serbia program with a total value of 1.44 million euros. Project partners include the Special Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases Novi Sad as Lead Partner, Toplice Lipik, Special Hospital “Junaković” Apatin and PANORA – Development Agency of Požega-Slavonia County.