GastroTech

What is the GastroTech project?

GastroTech is an innovative project aimed at improving the availability and quality of endoscopic examinations of the digestive system in Latvia. The project develops digital tools that will facilitate the work of doctors and facilitate timely, informed diagnosis of patients suspected of having digestive diseases.

Project objective

GastroTech aims to develop an innovative digital solution that:

It will enable each patient to be diagnosed early and to identify the risks of digestive pathologies;
Provide informed referrals based on medical indications and risk calculators;
Reduce waiting times for state-funded services;
Improve the efficiency of public spending on endoscopies.

Main activities

The project implements a number of key activities aimed at ensuring more efficient patient flow management and diagnostic quality:

Development of clinical guidelines based on international experience and recommendations from local experts;
Development of personalised digital risk calculators to help doctors assess a patient’s health status and need for endoscopy;
Development of patient questionnaires and digital referral forms to ensure a common approach to data collection and analysis;
Creation of a digital platform/application that combines all the above tools and provides ease of use for GPs and specialists;
Pilot testing with GP practices and endoscopy specialists to evaluate the effectiveness of the solution in a real working environment;
Training for doctors on the new solution to ensure the tools are used correctly and deliver the most effective results;
Analysis of the data and recommendations to the National Health Service (NHS) on further implementation of the solution;
Public information and education activities to raise patients’ awareness of the importance of early diagnosis.

GPs’ role in the project

GPs are the central link between patient and specialist, so their involvement in GastroTech is particularly important. The project is designed to make GPs’ work easier and to provide them with up-to-date tools for patient assessment. Through personalised risk calculators and digital referrals, GPs will be able to more accurately identify which patients need further investigations. This will both reduce the number of unjustified referrals and help to detect patients at higher risk of disease at an earlier stage.

Results and benefits

Clinical guidelines are developed;
A digital platform for personalised risk assessment and referrals;
Reduced number of unjustified endoscopies;
Faster and more accurate diagnosis of patients;
More efficient use of public funding for healthcare;
Simplified referrals to GPs;
Recommendations to the NHS on the national implementation of the solution.

Project partners

The GastroTech project is implemented by GASTRO CENTRS in collaboration with the National Health Service (NHS), the Latvian Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Association, GPs, endoscopy specialists and regional hospitals. The project is funded by the European Union and the NHS.

FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions

Will this solution be available throughout Latvia?
Yes, the tools and guidelines developed as a result of the project are intended for all healthcare professionals in Latvia to improve the diagnostic process at national level.

Will the GP be the one to use these digital tools?
Yes, one of the main aims of the project is to make GPs’ jobs easier by giving them access to digital tools that will help them make informed decisions about referring patients for endoscopy.

What will be the benefits for GPs and patients?
GPs will find it easier to make referral decisions based on clear guidelines and risk calculators. Patients will in turn benefit from timely and informed diagnosis, reducing the risk of unnecessary tests and long waiting lists.