DOCTORS OF THE WORLD GREECE

The aim was and remains to support vulnerable cases of elderly people with underlying conditions and to reduce the psychosocial impact of the Covid19 pandemic. This is implemented through the sharing of best practice for screening, care and treatment, as well as mental health and psychological support for the reference population.

The service areas covered by the program are the following three (4):

1. Providing Medical Counseling and Psychosocial Support from a distance

2. Delivery of medicines and food / material assistance at home

3. Implementation of "Online Fellowship" of Elderly Psychoeducational Groups

4. Helping vulnerable elderly households against energy poverty with supplementary coverage on household electricity / water bills.

Elderly People

March 2020 - December 2020 (Program continues)

In the context of the innovations required due to the unprecedented situation created by the pandemic, Doctors of the World used a new online application entitled "Online companionship". The goal was to create "virtual" psychoeducational group meetings and social interaction under the guidance of the scientific staff of Doctors of the World. The application was created with a main feature, to be user-friendly and easy to understand by elderly people with little to no knowledge of electronic devices, as it provides in a simple way the possibility of consultation, through direct connection and video chat as well as group video call. In this context and for the needs of the program, a tablet-type device as well as an internet connection was given to each beneficiary who participated in the groups, so that they could connect and communicate with the other members of the group, as well as with the specialized staff of Doctors of the World. The content of the thematic meetings, apart from the psycho-emotional dimension, also concerns the awareness of the participants in social issues, such as environmental protection, energy saving, gender equality and new technologies. From the very first group chat, it was clear the need for these people to communicate with each other, to comment on current affairs, to exchange thoughts and feelings brought about by the difficult period of mandatory confinement, as well as to seek advice from the staff of Doctors World. In addition to group chat and video interaction, each elderly person can have individual counseling sessions with the doctor and the psychologist. The application, among other things, provides the possibility of listening to recorded books.

Additional objectives:

• Shielding the elderly against Covid19

• Continuity of care through the provision of medical consultation services, especially for people with chronic conditions

• Provision of psychosocial support services from a distance

• Ensuring pharmaceutical treatment for the most vulnerable people through home delivery

• Personal empowerment and socialization through "Online Fellowship" groups

• Material assistance and provision of means of personal protection

TIMA Foundation, First Grade Local Government Community Centers in the Region of Attica, EODY, Hellenic Initiative CANADA (THI CANADA)

Yes, a total of more than 12 trained volunteers participated.

Attica, mainly in the municipalities of Western Attica, Piraeus and Athens

800 unique beneficiaries

3382 pharmaceutical preparations were delivered

400 food packages were distributed

48 group sessions

240 individual sessions with a psychologist

480 individual interviews and counseling sessions with social workers

The organization gained experience through its response to the unprecedented condition of the pandemic through constantly evaluated actions and several operational challenges due to the lockdowns as well as the risk of illness for staff and beneficiaries. However, by taking appropriate measures, an integrated business continuity plan was implemented which acted successfully in the context of continuing to provide services to the beneficiaries of the program.