At this year’s ACC Scientific Sessions there was a section of the exhibit hall which was reserved for Patient Engagement organizations. These organizations included:
- StopAfib.org
- Mended Hearts
- The FH Foundation and nine others
At these booths, physicians could interact with the leadership of these organizations, most of whom are cardiovascular disease patients. These booths had a wide range of patient resource materials that physicians were able to take, from a CHADS-VASC checklist to information about enrolling in patient registries.
In addition, these organizations where allotted 30 minutes to tell their stories and articulate their mission to attendees in booth presentations. These were highly informative and interactive sessions which included physicians and industry representatives.
The Patient Engagement Pavilion helped to highlight the importance of these patient organizations and partnering with them to reach patients. These organizations help to bring disease awareness to the patient and are therefore are a key link enabling industry to reach patients. Education is critical, and these organizations provide needed information to patients at their geographic location, at their level of understanding, and targeted to their unique needs. This education goes a long way in ensuring that patients adhere to both lifestyle modifications and therapeutic treatment.
Organizations like those featured at ACC will factor in improving health in the future.
ACC, American College of Cardiology, Cardiovascular disease, Community health, Community outcomes, Community programs, Consultant group, Healthcare outlook