New survey examines the biggest issues impacting care for CAD, PAD patients

One in four physicians think a lack of high-quality technology has made it harder to treat patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Thirty-five percent of physicians and hospital leaders, meanwhile, say the same thing about medical record integration.

These findings come from a survey of 1,289 vascular disease patients, 408 physicians and 173 industry leaders. The survey, part of Abbott’s new Beyond Intervention initiative, included feedback from representatives in 13 different countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The data suggest that physicians see plenty of room for improvement when it comes to treating CAD and PAD patients. In addition, it shows just how differently those in leadership positions view healthcare compared to the patients themselves. For example, 65% of hospital administrators would describe the patient experience for someone being treated for PAD as “ideal.” When asking patients, the number drops to 38%.

“The latest data from the Beyond Intervention initiative reveals diverging views between patients and healthcare administrators on how each views the patient experience and the impact of inequities across the healthcare continuum,” Nick West, MD, chief medical officer and divisional vice president of medical affairs for Abbott’s vascular business, said in a statement. “This research solidifies the need for physicians to leverage innovative technologies to improve the ability to make and communicate a diagnosis as early as possible in the patient journey.”

The team behind the survey also shared some additional key takeaways:

  • AI and digital health are both viewed as important ways to boost patient care.
  • Patients face more challenges when seeking care when they live in an underserved community. These challenges include accessing patient care, understanding their symptoms and receiving timely diagnoses.
  • Female patients report running into more challenges while seeking care than male patients.

More information on the Beyond Intervention initiative is available here.

Michael Walter
Michael Walter, Managing Editor

Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.

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