CAREMED is transferring the Active Patient Programme from the Balearic Islands to strengthen community-based care for people with chronic diseases across the Mediterranean.
The CAREMED – Community-Based Approach for a Resilient Mediterranean Health project is supporting the transfer of the Active Patient Programme developed by the Health Service of the Balearic Islands to healthcare systems across the Mediterranean. Co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, CAREMED promotes community-based approaches to chronic disease management by empowering patients to take an active role in the management of their own health.
Officially presented on 10 June 2026 in Palma, the initiative marks an important milestone in the implementation of the project. As Spain’s pilot model within CAREMED, the Active Patient Programme will be shared with partner countries, fostering the exchange of knowledge and good practices to strengthen primary healthcare services and improve care for people living with chronic diseases.
Since its launch in 2016, the programme has trained patients with chronic diseases to become peer facilitators, leading workshops and supporting others living with the same condition. This patient-centred approach encourages self-management, peer support and active participation in healthcare, contributing to more resilient and equitable health systems.
As part of CAREMED, the Active Patient coordinating team will train healthcare professionals in partner countries to adapt and implement the model according to local needs. Training activities have already started in Lucca and Florence (Italy) and in Türkiye during June 2026.
To date, the Active Patient Programme has trained 301 patients and involved 895 participants in peer-support workshops, helping people acquire practical knowledge, adopt healthier habits and benefit from the emotional support of sharing experiences with others facing similar chronic conditions.
Looking ahead, CAREMED will also support the implementation of a pilot initiative aimed at strengthening primary healthcare services through rapid diagnostic testing, further enhancing the capacity of community-based care to respond effectively to the needs of patients with chronic diseases.
By promoting knowledge exchange, patient empowerment and cooperation across Mediterranean countries, CAREMED is transforming proven local practices into shared regional solutions, contributing to stronger, more resilient and people-centred healthcare systems.
Last Update
15/07/2026
Next Med