A Human-Centered Approach to CV Care: Infrastructure Development in Uganda.

Christopher T Longenecker,Allison R Webel,Emmy Okello,John O Omagino,Peter Lwabi,Moses R Kamya,Daniel I Simon,Cissy Kityo,Robert A Salata,Ankur Kalra,Marco A Costa

doi:10.1016/j.gheart.2018.02.002

Abstract

In this case study, we describe an ongoing approach to develop sustainable acute and chronic cardiovascular care infrastructure in Uganda that involves patient and provider participation. Leveraging strong infrastructure for HIV/AIDS care delivery, University Hospitals Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute and Case Western Reserve University have partnered with U.S. and Ugandan collaborators to improve cardiovascular capabilities. The collaboration has solicited innovative solutions from patients and providers focusing on education and advanced training, penicillin supply, diagnostic strategy (e.g., hand-held ultrasound), maternal health, and community awareness. Key outcomes of this approach have been the completion of formal training of the first interventional cardiologists and heart failure specialists in the country, establishment of 4 integrated regional centers of excellence in rheumatic heart disease care with a national rheumatic heart disease registry, a penicillin distribution and adherence support program focused on retention in care, access to imaging technology, and in-country capabilities to treat advanced rheumatic heart valve disease.

Highlights

In this case study, we describe an ongoing approach to develop sustainable acute and chronic cardiovascular care infrastructure in Uganda that involves patient and provider participation
We describe a case study of cardiovascular care infrastructure development in the resource-limited East African nation of Uganda, led by university hospitals (UH) Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine in collaboration with key U.S and Ugandan partners
For over 25 years, CWRU and UH physicians have contributed significantly to capacity-building efforts with key Ugandan partners such as Makerere University and a network of HIV/AIDS clinics known as the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC)

Summary

Introduction

We describe an ongoing approach to develop sustainable acute and chronic cardiovascular care infrastructure in Uganda that involves patient and provider participation. To improve delivery of chronic cardiovascular care services in Uganda, a human-centered participatory approach that involved both patients and providers was needed [17].

Results

Conclusion