Using digital technologies, innovative and personalized solutions have been developed in Latvia to support breast cancer and multiple sclerosis patients
On February 17, 2025, digital tools designed to improve the care of breast cancer and multiple sclerosis patients were presented at Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital. Emphasizing the importance of public-private sector collaboration in developing innovative solutions, a memorandum for the implementation of a joint project was signed by Stradiņš Hospital, the digital health startup Longenesis, and the pharmaceutical company SIA Novartis Baltics.
The digital platform has been developed to support breast cancer and multiple sclerosis patients by providing educational materials and personalized recommendations. Additionally, for the first time in Latvia, a solution is being introduced that collects patient feedback and analyzes treatment effectiveness using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), thus promoting more personalized and effective healthcare.
The event was attended by healthcare policymakers, industry specialists, representatives of patient organizations, and experts who shared their vision for the future of patient care in Latvia.
The event was opened by the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Artjoms Uršuļskis, who emphasized: "This collaboration is a significant step toward improving access to treatment and easing the workload of medical professionals. At the Ministry of Health, we are truly pleased that the digital maturity of our country is at a high level, and projects like this only confirm it."
The Chairman of the Board of Stradiņš Hospital, Lauris Vidzis, stated: "These projects are not only a technological step forward but also a testament to our commitment to value-based healthcare, which remains our priority."
Healthcare specialists and patients actively participated in the development of the digital platform to ensure alignment with both clinical and patient needs. "This is the first solution in Latvia that systematically collects standardized Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) for breast cancer patients. It helps assess the treatment process from the patients' perspective, identify necessary improvements, and brings us closer to international accreditation requirements," says Chief Breast Surgeon, Associate Professor Arvīds Irmejs.
Nadežda Kuzņecova, a member of the oncology patient support association "Par Dzīvot", highlights the importance of enhancing patient experience through technology: "Digital solutions provide essential support for patients at all stages of healthcare – from prevention to rehabilitation. To improve patient experience, these solutions must be accessible on smartphones, integrated into health systems, and incorporated into treatment protocols."
Neurologist Dr. Alīna Flintere-Flinte represents the multiple sclerosis patient project: "Our goal is to provide patients with more convenient, effective, and personalized healthcare, and digital tools help achieve that. Feedback between the patient and the doctor is one of the key conditions for successful treatment. It is essential that the solution is accessible to all multiple sclerosis patients, promoting independence and quality of life."
"We are pleased to participate in testing this innovative platform and believe it can significantly improve the care of multiple sclerosis patients. Digital tools are only part of the solution—equally important is accessible and high-quality healthcare, as well as emotional and social support," says Simona Pidika, a representative of the "Mana MS" association.
The project's collaboration model highlights the importance of cross-sector cooperation in developing sustainable solutions: "Innovation in healthcare requires breaking traditional boundaries and boldly defining a vision for the future, engaging partners who are ready to bring it to life. Public-private partnerships are key to this process—they combine policy-making expertise with the efficiency, creativity, and investment power of the private sector," explained Liene Siliņa, Board Member of SIA Novartis Baltics.
Emil Syundyukov, CEO of the digital health startup Longenesis, presented the digital solution and emphasized the support that technology provides to patients, doctors, and healthcare policymakers, fostering data-driven decision-making.
"Thanks to digital solutions created through public-private partnerships, we can provide patients with personalized support at a convenient time and place. For healthcare professionals, technology enables them to view patient data in one place and personalize monitoring, fostering an evidence-based dialogue and identifying needs in a timely manner. Meanwhile, structured data collection allows for more efficient healthcare management," said Emil Syundyukov.
The digital tools were developed in collaboration with doctors and support nurses from Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, the Riga Stradiņš University Institute of Public Health, the patient support group "Par Dzīvot", the association "Mana MS", the patient organization alliance "Onkoalianse", the pharmaceutical company SIA Novartis Baltics, and the digital health startup Longenesis.
*Project implemented within the framework of: Project “RSU Internal and RSU with LSPA External Consolidation”, No. 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/005 Grant “Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Breast Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study”, No. RSU-PAG-2024/1 0016. More information: