Health plans are increasingly focusing on managing cardiovascular disease (CVD) more effectively, as the impact of this condition is crucial for improving patient care. Payers are implementing measures to control high blood pressure, which are tied to Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) scores that assess the quality of care provided by Medicare plans. This emphasis on CVD is essential for identifying and managing risks associated with comorbidities such as tobacco use and unhealthy diets that can lead to conditions like hypertension and diabetes, major contributors to CVD.
Timely diagnosis and management of diabetes are also critical in improving patient outcomes. Diabetes is often not identified until after a patient experiences a cardiac event, highlighting the importance of providing updated clinical content at the point of care. This helps healthcare providers stay focused on the patient and reduces the time spent searching for answers. Consistent care and clinical information resources throughout the healthcare system can also help in adopting a system-wide approach to managing CVD and improving patient outcomes.
To provide high-quality care, it is vital to involve patients as part of the care team and promote shared decision-making. Urban emphasizes the significance of impactful patient education, especially for diverse patient demographics, in the battle against CVD. By delivering holistic education that is engaging and evidence-based, healthcare providers can ultimately lead to better outcomes for patients.
The UpToDate® Point of Care report series offers valuable insights for healthcare leaders on how to transform care, unify teams, and achieve better outcomes for patients and healthcare organizations. The report highlights the importance of supporting clinical decisions with current evidence, which is essential for delivering quality care, ensuring patient safety, and optimizing costs. Healthcare professionals across various disciplines benefit from evidence-based knowledge provided by resources like UpToDate to enhance patient care and achieve better outcomes.