Emerging Technology and Data Key to Improving Vascular Health

New Delhi: A new study shows that using advanced technologies can enable more precise diagnoses and better treatment strategies to ensure the best possible results. The recently released research, Beyond Intervention: Personalized vascular care through technological innovation, was designed to examine the current state of vascular care and how health care leaders, physicians and patients view the importance of incorporating data and technology into treatment pathways.

“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 M.D., chief medical officer and divisional vice president of 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,” he added.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide, but with proper interventions and post-procedural care, up to 80% of CVD-related deaths may be preventable[i]. In India, CVD is the leading cause of mortality[1][ii]. According to the Global Burden of Disease study, the estimate of age-standardized CVD death rate of 272 per 100,000 population in India is higher than the global average of 235 per 100,000 population[iii]. To better understand growing treatment gaps in cardiovascular health care and identify new ways to continue addressing existing challenges, Abbott commissioned the Beyond Intervention survey to capture feedback from more than 1,400 physicians, health system administrators and patients to uncover their views on how data and technology could better guide physician decision making and improve patient outcomes.

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 says, “Clearly advances in medical technology, especially in the last 20 years, research leading to evidence-based action plans and appropriate timing & 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.”

About Beyond Intervention Research

Abbott surveyed 1,432 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 United States, United Kingdom, China, Japan, France, Germany, India, Italy and Brazil.

The Beyond Intervention market research uncovers the improved patient outcomes that can be achieved through technological innovation and improved data insights across a patient’s care journey. Data-driven decision making and collaboration between physicians, administrators and patients will improve overall patient treatment plans – from understanding risk factors and comorbidities to providing precise diagnoses to making the right treatment decisions that greatly improve wellness and quality of life.

 [i] https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/t0906-vital-signs-preventing-heart-attacks-strokes.html#:~:text=About%2080%20percent%20of%20deaths,that%20matter%20to%20heart%20health.

[ii] Srinath Reddy K, Shah B, Varghese C, Ramadoss A. Responding to the threat of chronic diseases in India.

Lancet. 2005; 366:1744–1749. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(05)67343-6.

[iii] 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