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Adriatic cardiovascular diseases prevention network

Project description

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a major public health issue in the Adriatic Region. This project consisted of preparation and pilot implementation of a CVD prevention program prepared by 3 regions: Northern Italy, Albania and Istria Region. The main goal of the project was to decrease morbidity and mortality of CVD through a prevention program based on expert knowledge, citizen education and cooperation between governments, health institutions and civil society. Through cross-border cooperation, the regions were able to improve existing and create new CVD prevention programs.

What has been done during the project in order to achieve its main goal(s)?

Firstly, all 3 regions conducted a detailed analysis of existing resources and professional profiles, their key roles and specific skills. An analysis of local regulations, epidemiological studies and identification of excellence practices was conducted. Moreover, additional training was provided for hundreds of health professionals. Several events and workshops were organized as an opportunity for networking and strategic planning in the areas of education, catering, nutrition and health to ensure promotion of healthy food service. Innovative cross-border cooperation was established between 2 Croatian and 3 Italian healthcare institutions on levels between specialist cardiologists, general practitioners, physiotherapists and nurses. Through cross-border cooperation, better educational materials were produced, which were used in several awareness campaigns in schools, educational workshops and seminars, along with newly developed educational toolkits. Citizens and patients were educated in terms of primary, secondary (screenings of risk factors etc.) and tertiary prevention services (early diagnostics, counseling and monitoring).

Which are the project main results/impacts? 

Result/impact 1:  ESTABLISHMENT OF THREE CVD PREVENTION CENTERS

Among the main project results are reconstruction and establishment of three CVD prevention centers (two in Istria and one in Tirana) and the purchase of all the necessary medical and non-medical equipment for their operation.

Result/impact 2: DEVELOPMENT OF CVD PREVENTION MODEL

As the basis for all the further activities in the project, the partnership created a joint organizational cardiovascular diseases prevention model. It takes into consideration the existing networks between authorities, health and educational systems and NGOs, respecting the differences in regional development. This model has ensured a more systematic CVD prevention approach, a better integration of existing services, faster services to high-risk patients and improvement of cross-border and local networking.

Result/impact 3: LIVES SAVED

Over 1300 people were checked and informed by cardiologists about the risks concerning cardiovascular diseases that have long-term effects on their health and prevention. Probably the most important result are lives saved at the Pula General Hospital: cardiologists recognized at least three CV patients whose lives were directly saved by timely medical procedures thanks to the screening process. Because of the new organization of the CVD prevention work and new equipment, the process of CVD diagnosis in Istria was faster and improved, especially among high-risk patients.

Result/impact 4: NEW INFORMATIVE SYSTEM

The innovative Istria informative system in the CVD prevention network is a major achievement, which not only ensures better communication among health care professionals, but also enables detailed monitoring of the screening process, record-keeping for CV risk citizens and patients and a comprehensive analysis and statistical evaluation.