Docs, patients agree to widening gaps in vascular disease treatment: Abbott report

Seventy-two per cent Indian physicians, one of the highest in the survey, believe that advances in healthcare technology improve patient care by the ability to provide more accurate diagnosis

New global market research takes a deep dive into the barriers of cardiovascular patient care and shows that more than 80 per cent of physicians and hospital administrators, across nine countries, view technology and data as critical to addressing challenges before, during and after treatment.

As part of the Beyond Intervention report, Abbott surveyed 1432 physicians, health system administrators and patients from December 2019 through January 2020 to understand the effect of advancements in cardiovascular technology on patient care. Respondents to the online survey represent nine countries: the US, UK, China, Japan, France, Germany, India, Italy and Brazil.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide, but with proper interventions and post-procedural care, up to 80 per cent of CVD-related deaths may be preventable[i]. According to the Global Burden of Disease study, the estimate of age-standardised CVD death rate of 272 per 100,000 population in India is higher than the global average of 235 per 100,000 population[ii].

Speaking on the value of technology, Dr Ashok Seth, President, Asia Pacific Society of Interventional Cardiology and Chairman, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute and Governance Board commented, “Clearly advances in medical technology, especially in the last 20 years, research leading to evidence-based action plans and appropriate timing and choice of medical procedure, have helped in ensuring best outcomes for my patients in the long-term. I feel fortunate to be a part of that experience and to deliver the best results for patients. I believe the most important service I can do to my patients is not just to get them better, but importantly that they should remain well enough to not need any further interventions for the longest period of time. Advances in technology help me achieve this.”

Maneesh Juneja, digital health futurist, UK says, “India is a diverse country which faces many challenges in vascular care. However, if we find a way to include different voices in the design and implementation of emerging technologies, we have the ability to overcome many of these challenges. Fostering a culture of greater collaboration within India is critical to ensure that many more people can continue to benefit from technological innovations in vascular care. Innovation needs people, process and policy to move in tandem.”

“Technological advances can help providers select and treat the right patients, at the right time, with the right approach, thereby easing the burden on patients, healthcare workers and healthcare systems,” said Nick West, chief medical officer and divisional vice president, Medical Affairs at Abbott’s vascular business. “This research identifies how physicians and administrators can improve patient care—and the need for the right use of technology and data to enable more precise diagnoses, informed decisions and determine better treatment strategies to ensure the best possible patient health.” 

Key findings for India from the Beyond Intervention report

• Technology and the advancement in cardiovascular tools and practices continue to improve patient outcomes. Imaging tools topped the list of technologies enabling improved vascular care. Overall, tools like wearables, imaging, monitoring and AI-fueled technologies provide valuable information that physicians and administrators across regions deem necessary to provide a more precise intervention. Seventy-two per cent Indian physicians, one of the highest in the survey, believe that advances in healthcare technology improve patient care by the ability to provide more accurate diagnosis. Amongst the most valuable tools and technologies, 60 per cent of Indian physicians want patients to be more involved in their health through digital health trackers.
• Data-driven healthcare system vital for efficient delivery and will enable a holistic treatment pathway.
  Inaccurate, insufficient and inappropriate use of data and lack of communication lead to gaps in accurate decisions. Nearly 50 per cent physicians believe population health data is under-utilised. Ninety six per cent Indian patients understand the benefits of health data collection for future generations and individual patient outcomes.
  Seventy per cent of them want either the health system or the physicians to be responsible for their data. Seventy-two per cent of patients viewed data that “lets my doctor see my problem and act on it in a tailored-for-me manner” as the number one priority. Fifty six per cent patients in India highly value data that monitors how other patients like them have gotten well. Also, 65 per cent patients want physicians to use data results collected from specific procedures or treatments to make personalised recommendations.”
• There are growing treatment gaps in cardiovascular health care before, during and after a cardiac procedure or intervention.
  Forty-four per cent of physicians in India stated they have little time to spend with patients and 40 per cent have little insight into aftercare and patient adherence, contributing to the growing gaps in patient care. Approximately 76 per cent of Indian physicians believe at-risk patients can be better identified through greater connectivity between primary care providers and patients.
• Patients increasingly want a personalised health care experience based on data.
  Patients want more individualised and personalised care, which includemore face time with doctors to address questions, a two-way consultative relationship, and an individualised treatment plan based on both personal data and best practices from others with similar cardiovascular issues. Sixty six per cent of Indian patients also said that their physician’s use of new technologies that monitor their progress and provide information to show that treatment is working is valuable.

[i] https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/t0906-vital-signs-preventing-heart-attacks-strokes.html#:~:text=About per cent2080 per cent20percent per cent20of per cent20deaths,that per cent20matter per cent20to per cent20heart per cent20health.

[ii] Prabhkaran, D. , Jeemon, P. Roy, A. : Cardiovascular Diseases in India Current Epidemiology and Future Directions 2016;133:1605–1620. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.114.008729