Archive for June 2022
It’s time to liberate the system with technology
Our approach to CVD prevention must change or we will keep getting the same results.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is currently the most prevalent and costly burden to the healthcare system in Australia. Data demonstrates that participation in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation programs significantly improves patient outcomes in second stage CVD and reduces the risk of readmission or mortality. We now have access to sophisticated, quality, Digital Cardiovascular Rehabilitation (DCR) and support technology that would undoubtedly streamline traditional, labour-intensive processes and significantly improve outcomes, but uptake remains slow. Why?
Australasian CXO Healthcare Cloud Summit
We recently attended the Cloud Healthcare Summit which had a lens on the value and need for the health industry and its governing bodies to prioritise resources, focus and financial support towards digital platforms and cloud based technology.
The Summit was an opportunity for thought leaders from across digital technology and healthcare sectors to come together to discuss the recent successes of acceleration into digital innovation, along with the challenges and obstacles that the industry continues to face despite demands for change.
Alongside representatives from all areas of primary and secondary healthcare and supporting industries, we were pleased to be part of robust discussions supporting the need for further development and systemic reform around expanding digital healthcare.
Cardihab CEO Helen Souris was invited to speak about how the application of a cloud based, digital platform such as Cardihab is changing the game of Cardiac Rehabilitation.
We now have real world evidence to support the initial trials that show Cardihab’s digital cardiac rehabilitation solution can match or exceed outcomes of traditional face-to-face cardiac rehab. This is an important outcome for patients that want and need more options, particularly those facing barriers to participation such as time or location. Digital platforms provide options that improve participation and adherence which are vital to improved outcomes.
However, there are many more funding, resourcing and industry based challenges that digital platforms face which need to be addressed in order to deliver the improved, secure, agile and available anywhere, anytime care that the community demands and the industry needs.
Cardihab CEO Helen Souris presents: 'If we keep doing what we've always done we'll keep getting the same results'
Contact Cardihab for more information via info@cardihab.com.
Men’s Health Week – An important reminder of the impact of CVD on Australian men
Did you know that Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains Australia's biggest killer, particularly in men with 6.5% of Australian men suffering from the disease?
This week is Men's Health Week (13 - 19 June) so it's a timely reminder for men to undergo any health checks and work towards a healthy, active lifestyle which is the best defense against heart disease.
Tips to help reduce the risk of CVD include:
- Smoking cessation and avoidance. Smoking damages the blood vessels to your heart, brain and other parts of your body. Quitting smoking will have significantly positive and rapid impact on health of your heart.
- Reducing alcohol intake. Heavy drinking or binge drinking can increase your chances of developing heart disease.
- Adopting a heart-healthy diet which is low in unhealthy fats, salt and added sugar, and rich in wholegrains, fibre, vitamins, antioxidants and healthy fats. Aim to increase fruit and vegetable intake to 5 servings a day (around 2 and a half cups).
- Staying active will not only reduce your risk, but increase energy, and reduce stress levels. Moderate-intensity physical activity (such as brisk walking) for 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week is the optimal goal. Keeping active also helps to control risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and being overweight.
For those who have already experienced a devastating event such as a heart attack the chance of a recurrence is 5 - 7x greater than normal. Evidence shows that participation in Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) can have a huge impact on the chance of a recurrence, however up to 80% of those who should participate in CR do not. If you or someone you know has been through a cardiac event, please reach out to your health professional for a referral into a Cardiovascular Rehabilitation program.
Cardihab can help facilitate Cardiac Rehabilitation programs anywhere, anytime using our SmartCR technology. This means patients can focus on what's important and take control of their rehabilitation in ways that work for them.
Visit the Find a Provider page to see some of our current providers and contact them for referral and eligibility information.
Contact Cardihab for more information via info@cardihab.com.
This Men's Health Week we recognise the impact of CVD on men in Australia
References:
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2021) Heart, stroke and vascular disease—Australian facts, AIHW, Australian Government
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. No second chances: controlling risk in cardiovascular disease. Melbourne, Australia: Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute; 2018.
- Heart Foundation. Key Stats Cardiovascular Disease.
- Heart Foundation. Are you at risk of Heart Disease.
Cardihab joins Mater and Advance Queensland Innovation Partnership
Cardihab joins Mater and Advance Queensland's Innovation Partnership event, highlighting its focus to connect and support innovative new technologies in healthcare.
Cardihab were invited to be part of the Advance Queensland and Mater Innovation Partnership Event this week. As part of Mater's focus to become a leader in health and innovation, and to deliver new services that positively impact the health of its communities, Mater Private Hospital Townsville now provides Cardihab to its regional and remote based patients to help facilitate improved access to Cardiac Rehabilitation, and to help more patients recover from their cardiac events.
Regional and remote based patients often face huge obstacles in getting to a traditional cardiac rehabilitation centre which can be hours away from their home. Cardihab helps overcome these obstacles by making virtual programs of cardiac rehabilitation available anywhere, at any time.
The Mater and Advance Queensland initiative to connect and support innovative healthcare technologies, means that digital platforms such Cardihab have a strong commitment that our evidence based, high-quality, clinician-supported cardiac rehabilitation solution can be deployed as needed to those who might otherwise go without.
We look forward to our future collaborations with Mater and its partners, and making cardiac rehabilitation more accessible to the community of Townsville
Contact Cardihab for more information via info@cardihab.com.
Visit the Find a Provider page to see some of our current providers and contact them for referral and eligibility information.