Opportunities exist to improve the management of heart failure in Canada

New report highlights policy levers to support improvements in management of heart failure.

The Institute for Health Economics (IHE) has published a report “Heart Failure Policy and Systems Evaluation: Research Report and National Canadian Roundtable”.  The report, commissioned by Heartlife Canada, provides evidence on the pressing need to address heart failure in Canada, policy levers which need to be used, and recommendations on how to move forward.

 Key findings:

• There is a lack of knowledge of heart failure among the public, patients and providers.
• There are key gaps in diagnosis where proven technologies are available.
• Systems of care are sub-optimally organized around the specific needs of patients at various stages in their journey.
• Equity of access to quality of care is an area for attention and innovation.
• There is a need for more defined roles and accountabilities for specialist and primary care teams.
• There is significant opportunity for health systems savings through addressing heart failure proactively and in a coordinated way.

“It is our hope that this document will serve as a useful resource for you, providing insight and clarity on the policies needed to create a better everyday life for people living with heart failure, because it’s about life, not failure. This initiative is dedicated to Canadians living with heart failure, healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for others, our amazing support network of family and friends, and the entire HeartLife community.” -  Jillianne Code and Marc Bains, Co- Founders, Heartlife Foundation

“The Institute of Health Economics is pleased to have been able to work with the Heartlife Foundation to gather evidence and bring diverse stakeholders together to collectively identify policy options to improve health service delivery for patients living with heart failure. We are very grateful for the thoughtful input from clinicians, patient representatives, and policy makers in advancing this work which we hope will inform ongoing strategies.”  -  Dr. Kate Harback, CEO, Institute of Health Economics

“I am proud of this report which provides insights on how heart failure patients priorities can be improved. Through collaboration and partnership, we can deliver innovative solutions to improve both the diagnosis and care for patients and their families. This evidence-based report aims to enhance care and improve health outcomes for people living with heart failure.”Annie Beauchemin. Head, Market Access at Boehringer Ingelheim Canada

The full report is available at: https://www.ihe.ca/advanced-search/heart-failure-policy-and-systems-evaluation-hf-pase-

Additional valuable information can be found on the Heart Failure Patient and Caregiver Charter at https://heartlife.ca/charter/

IHE was commissioned to conduct this work by Heartlife Canada, the funding of which was made possible through an unrestricted grant to Heartlife Canada from Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.

For further information

John Sproule,
Senior Policy Director, Institute of Health Economics,
Ph: 780-862-1905 
Email: [email protected]

Marc Bains,
Co-founder, Heartlife Foundation
Email: [email protected]

Partners:

The Institute of Health Economics (IHE) is an independent, not-for-profit organization with key competencies in health economics and decision analytic modelling, health technology assessment, and knowledge transfer/exchange. Our mission is to consistently provide relevant, timely and impactful evidence that supports informed health system policy and investment decisions. www.ihe.ca

The HeartLife Foundation is Canada’s only national patient-led heart failure organization. As a federal charity, the HeartLife Foundation strives to raise public awareness of heart failure and transform the quality of life of individuals living with heart failure through engaging, educating, and empowering patients, their families, and caregivers. The HeartLife Foundation facilitates access to research and innovations and advocates for better healthcare solutions. www.heartlife.ca

Boehringer Ingelheim is a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, which creates value through innovation in areas of high unmet medical need. Founded in 1885 and family-owned ever since, Boehringer Ingelheim takes a long-term perspective. The Canadian headquarters of Boehringer Ingelheim was established in 1972 in Montreal, Quebec and is now located in Burlington, Ontario. Boehringer Ingelheim employs approximately 500 people across Canada.www.boehringer-ingelheim.ca