Patient organizations in Greece are taking a proactive step to strengthen the role of patients in healthcare through education and digital literacy. The Greek Patients’ Association has launched two groundbreaking programs designed to equip patients with the knowledge and skills needed to engage effectively in their own care and in broader health policy decisions.
Bridging the Digital Health Gap
Modern healthcare increasingly relies on electronic prescriptions, digital patient records, online appointments, and health technology assessments. Yet for many patients, these tools remain unfamiliar, limiting their ability to fully access and benefit from available care.
To address this gap, the Greek Patients’ Association piloted the Patients’ Academy, where 86 participants, including patients and healthcare professionals, significantly increased their digital health literacy. Familiarity with digital tools rose from 23.2% to 41.2%, while understanding key concepts such as telemedicine and personal data rights reached 100%. Final assessments showed 82–96% success across all topics, and participants reported daily use of digital tools with a positive outlook toward further training.
The program is free and open to all citizens wishing to develop digital health skills, offering access to online courses and training sessions. It is delivered under the guidance of a 19-member scientific committee in collaboration with Greece’s Ministries of Health and Digital Governance, the national health insurer EOPYY, and under the aegis of the Athens Medical Society.
EUPATI Academy: Patient Experts in Decision-Making
In parallel, the EUPATI Patient Academy prepares specialized patient representatives to participate meaningfully in health policy and decision-making committees. Modeled on the European Patients’ Academy on Therapeutic Innovation (EUPATI), the 12-month program offers 200 hours of training, two intensive three-day sessions, and certification.
Participants learn to navigate health technology assessments, clinical trials, drug development, and policy processes. The program ensures graduates can engage as equal partners with scientists, regulators, and policymakers, giving patients a voice with depth and evidence.
Empowering Patients, Shaping Policy
Memi Tsekoura, President of the Greek Patients’ Association, said the programs mark a turning point: “Our goal is to transform patients from passive recipients into active co-creators of healthcare policy. Knowledge is the key to claiming rights effectively.”
Flora Bakopoulou, Chair of the Health Technology Assessment Committee, highlighted the programs’ impact: “Patient experience, combined with knowledge and preparation, strengthens their role in structured and scientific decision-making processes.”
The initiatives have received support from industry partners such as MSD Greece, who underscore the importance of digital literacy as a foundation for equitable, participatory healthcare.
A Nationwide, Accessible Initiative
Both programs are now open for registration, providing online, asynchronous learning to Greek citizens and patient representatives from across the country. By equipping patients with digital tools and policy knowledge, these initiatives aim to foster a more informed, empowered, and engaged patient community.
