- Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death on the planet.
- According to the WHO, they are responsible for 17.9 million deaths each year.
- The “Beyond the Intervention” study identified areas of opportunity to improve the cardiovascular patient experience.
in the care of a cardiovascular patient There are several elements that must be taken into account. In addition to knowledge, it is also important to pay attention to the emotional part that remains. It should never be forgotten that people are served and not machines.
With this in mind, Abbott Pharmaceuticals conducted the study “Beyond Intervention” (Beyond Intervention). What was obtained is that the majority of the doctors surveyed affirmed that early and precise decisions have a greater and better impact on the diagnosis or on the determination of the treatment of a patient with cardiovascular disease.
Main areas of opportunity for doctors
After analyzing the results of more than 1,800 patients, doctors and health care leaders from 13 countries, who suffered coronary artery disease (CAD) or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or treated one of these diseases, it was discovered that the patient experience is not as satisfactory as doctors believe.
The survey identified three areas where patients, physicians and health care leaders agree that cardiovascular patient experience has been negatively affected.
1) Lack of knowledge about cardiovascular diseases and treatment options
Many people with vascular disease are unaware of their condition, tend to downplay their symptoms, and/or are confused about the next steps for diagnosis and treatment.
The study shows that approximately half of the patients surveyed mentioned “that it was difficult to recognize the symptoms or they could not realize the problem before it became an emergency”
2) Lack of standardized processes and technologies for diagnosis
Accurate diagnoses are challenged by variables such as lack of standardized approach and equipment/technology.
The survey shows that about one in five patients with cardiovascular disease say they were misdiagnosed an average of three times before receiving a correct diagnosis for their symptoms. While one in four doctors feel that “the lack of technology or equipment to diagnose cardiovascular diseases” is a key obstacle to an accurate diagnosis.
Dr. Héctor Martínez, Director of the Cardiology Department of the Mayaguez Medical Centerexplains that “smarter data management, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics accompanied by workflow redesign, standardization, and redesigned products, can work together to transform and improve cardiovascular care.”
3) Lack of coordination and communication between the general practitioner and the specialist
Patients show dissatisfaction with the amount of time their doctors give them and also cite poor coordination between primary care providers and specialists.
There is clinical evidence that the early detection and diagnosis of patients at risk of developing vascular disease has an impact on a significant reduction in coronary events.
There is an opportunity to help physicians and healthcare leaders improve the patient experience, particularly in the early stages. Here are some actions that can help break down the barriers found through the study:
- It must be recognized that each patient’s journey involves unique challenges, making it imperative to increase early detection of the disease, its variability and meaning, as well as to provide adequate therapeutic options.
- Address the challenges of diagnostic testing, including patient access to appropriate physicians and resources.
- Link pre-existing sources of patient information to ensure seamless coordination and communication between primary care providers and specialists.
Also read:
This is the first Latin American Center for the Promotion of Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular technology, another option for remote monitoring
4 out of 10 Mexicans with diabetes have cardiovascular disease