The two-day training “Voices in Healthcare – Media Sparks the Discussion on Patient Engagement” was held
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK), in cooperation with the Integrated Health Services (IHS) Project and with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), organized a two-day training dedicated to the role of the media in reporting on and advocating for healthcare, with a special focus on patient engagement in the healthcare process.
This training brought together 20 journalists from various media outlets in Kosovo to discuss the challenges and opportunities in health reporting, including psychological and legal aspects, as well as storytelling techniques in this field.
Following the opening remarks, Professor Aliriza Arënliu presented the psychological factors that influence how journalists report on healthcare and how their work can contribute to greater patient involvement in healthcare decision-making.
A significant discussion was held on the legal frameworks governing patients' rights and health policies in Kosovo, with a presentation by Mark Kaqinari, Senior Legal Officer at the Ombudsperson Institution in Kosovo. Participants had the opportunity to discuss patients' rights and the obligations of healthcare institutions to ensure transparency and equal access to services.
The second day began with a reflection on the topics discussed and participants' feedback on the previous sessions. Alma Demiraj from the Health Journalists’ Association in Albania gave a presentation on the role of the media in health advocacy and the impact of journalistic storytelling on public policy in this field.
Dr. Faik Hoti, Public Health Specialist at the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo, presented the importance of a patient-centered approach in healthcare, emphasizing that active patient participation improves public health outcomes and service quality.
At the end of the training, participants exchanged views on the next steps, the importance of sharing experiences, and building a strong network for health reporting.
AJK and IHS remain committed to supporting journalists in strengthening their professional capacities and promoting responsible reporting based on the highest professional standards through such collaborations.
