The NumaPlus project “aims to define and test a healthcare model” that involves community pharmacies, health centers and emergency services “to improve the early detection of atrial fibrillation and heart disease”, indicated the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC) in a statement.

NumaPlus, a cross-border cooperation model, includes nine Portuguese and Spanish entities, being led by the Consejería de Salud y Consumo (Spain).

In Portugal, the University of Algarve, the Algarve Biomedical Center, the National Institute of Medical Emergency and the Algarve Local Health Unit collaborate.

The initiative aims to “incorporate technological tools in pharmacies that allow the detection of atrial fibrillation and improve the early detection of hidden heart diseases, as well as improving monitoring and health education for at-risk patients”, the note reads.

Furthermore, he adds, an immediate care network will be created for situations of cardiorespiratory arrest, through the supply of automatic external defibrillators and the training of professionals.

The project also includes medication review services for people living in senior centers or receiving home care, as well as nearby medication dispensing.

According to ABC, the project will be implemented through a pilot experience that will run until December 2026 in the Algarve/Andalusia cross-border area, which “will allow the proposed new model to be evaluated and improve the efficiency and sustainability of health systems”.

In addition to health centers, pharmacies and emergency services, this new service model will also include a group of residences for elderly people in Portugal and Spain, “ensuring effective medication management for around 6,000 patients”, says the note.

The cross-border project is financed with more than 2.9 million euros by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the Interreg POCTEP Program.