Partnerships for large-scale impact
As these examples show, technologies such as AI, telemedicine, and remote monitoring have great potential to bring better cardiac care to more people. However, we must also recognize that patients in different communities and different parts of the world face unique barriers to receiving care. These barriers are not limited to geographic distance, but also include socio-economic factors, cultural differences, and technological infrastructure. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
That’s why public-private partnerships, working with other stakeholders such as regulators at national and local levels, are essential to develop and test customized approaches to improve heart health that can then be scaled up to benefit more patients. By combining our efforts, we can have a greater impact. At Philips, we are taking a similar collaborative approach for related disease areas such as stroke. For example, our recently published joint policy document with the World Stroke Organization calls for a coordinated approach to expanding access to life-saving stroke care.
Investing in prevention is equally important, as many cardiovascular diseases can be mitigated with early intervention and proactive health management. Education can play a key role in this by helping patients recognize symptoms, understand treatment options, and adopt healthier lifestyles. This is particularly important for patients who may experience atypical symptoms, such as women, whose cardiovascular health issues are often underdiagnosed and undertreated (5).
Our focus on innovation, partnerships and comprehensive education allows us to provide more effective and comprehensive cardiac care that meets the diverse needs of patients around the world. Working together, we can ensure every heart gets the care it deserves.