Real-life challenges in the continuity of care for older adults

Real-life challenges in the continuity of care for older adults

Heraklion, Greece | 16–18 June 2025

The PROGRAMMING COST Action 21122, together with the SPRIN‑G Project of the EuGMS Global Europe Initiative, held its 2025 joint event in Heraklion, Greece, from 16 to 18 June. Hosted at the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the hybrid meeting brought together international experts, clinicians, academics, and local stakeholders to discuss practical challenges and solutions related to the continuity of care for older adults.

The event was co-organised by the Geriatrics Clinic of the Heraklion University Hospital, the Department of Social Work of the Hellenic Mediterranean University, the Hellenic Society for the Study and Research of Ageing (HeSSRA), and the Region of Crete, under the auspices of the 7th Health Region of Crete and the University of Crete Faculty of Medicine. This strong collaboration highlighted Crete’s growing commitment to advancing Geriatric Medicine in a region where the specialty is still emerging.

The scientific programme combined keynote lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions. Highlights included the WHO ICOPE Workshop, offering both conceptual and practical guidance on implementing integrated care for older people, and a Greek-language session focusing on the older patient and their caregiver, featuring an ageing‑simulation workshop and communication tools for healthcare professionals. Sessions addressed frailty, functional capacity, teamwork in geriatric care, and tools for completing geriatric assessments in primary care. A dedicated stakeholders’ session explored actionable strategies to improve care for older adults at national and local levels. The programme also included internal PROGRAMMING meetings, such as the Management Committee, WHO‑related project discussions, and Focus Groups on impact, sustainability, and basic curricula.

The event also included internal PROGRAMMING COST Action meetings, such as the Management Committee meeting, WHO‑related project discussions, Focus Groups on impact, sustainability, and basic curricula, and a Core Group meeting.

The final day, hosted by the SPRIN‑G Project, offered participants the opportunity to visit the Nursing Home of Heraklion – Kalokairinos Foundation, followed by a cultural visit to the archaeological site of Knossos, reflecting the SPRIN‑G philosophy of integrating scientific, social, and cultural dimensions.

The Heraklion event marked an important milestone in promoting Geriatric Medicine, as evidenced by the following developments: An international joint master’s programme between the Hellenic Mediterranean University and the Lisbon School of Medicine on Innovative Technologies and Contemporary Integrated Healthcare in Ageing, received funding, was developed, and is scheduled to launch in 2027–2028 following its accreditation, further expanding academic training in ageing and integrated care. The University of Crete has also implemented a nationwide educational programme for Primary Health Care professionals within the Primary Health Care Reform initiative, training 2,500 clinicians across Greece through two modules focused on everyday clinical practice, prevention, health promotion, and community‑centred interventions. At the institutional level, the Board of Directors of the Heraklion University Hospital has formally endorsed the establishment of a dedicated Geriatric Unit within the Internal Medicine Ward—an important milestone for the region. Finally, a new book titled What matters most… in the End, written from a lay perspective, contributes to public dialogue on ageing and end‑of‑life priorities.