Journalists Trained on Patient Engagement in Healthcare Reporting
A two-day training on the role of media in healthcare reporting, with a special focus on patient engagement, was successfully held in Kosovo. Organized by the Integrated Health Services (IHS) project in partnership with the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK), the training aimed to strengthen journalistic capacity in covering healthcare issues responsibly and effectively.
Bringing together 20 journalists from various media outlets across Kosovo, the training provided an in-depth discussion on the challenges and opportunities in healthcare reporting. Participants explored psychological and legal aspects of reporting, as well as advocacy and storytelling techniques crucial for effective health journalism.
Professor Aliriza Arënliu led a session on the psychological factors influencing health reporting and how journalists can contribute to stronger patient engagement in healthcare decision-making. Mark Kaqinari, Senior Legal Officer at the Kosovo Ombudsperson Institution, provided insights into the legal frameworks governing patient rights and healthcare policies, emphasizing the importance of transparency and equal access to healthcare services.
On the second day, Alma Demiraj from the Albanian Health Journalists’ Association presented on the role of media in health advocacy and how journalistic storytelling can influence public policies. Dr. Faik Hoti, Public Health Specialist at the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (IKSHP), underscored the need for patient-centred care, highlighting how active patient involvement improves public health outcomes and service quality.
The training concluded with discussions on next steps, experience-sharing, and the importance of building a strong network for healthcare journalism.