Impacting Cardiovascular disease
The importance of CVD
Project Globe's first target is Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). CVD will account for about 30% of total global deaths by the year 2030, 80% of which will be in emerging countries. Further, CVD was chosen because outcomes can be readily measured. Successful outcomes are central to PROJECT GLOBE’S mission. In many developed countries, the incidence of death from cardiovascular disease has dramatically dropped despite the aging of the population. Yet globally, the World Health Organization expects nearly a 13% rise in CVD deaths from 2004 to 2030, mostly in emerging countries. The sooner PROJECT GLOBE implements its programs, the more lives will be saved.
Experience in the United States with CVD provides insight into what can be expected from the PROJECT GLOBE programs. Mortality from heart disease alone in the US dropped 26% between 1999 and 2005 based on information compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics. Stroke related deaths dropped 24%. The results of the CVD program in the test countries are expected to meet or exceed these results.
Studying the Impact
While blended online continuing medical education has the potential of becoming a vital continuing medical education and professional development tool, to date there have only been a few studies that demonstrate its effectiveness in changing physician behavior and consequent health care outcomes. Much evidence-based CME/CPD has the potential of being shared with the emerging world via a blend of new technology and traditional means. Solid empirical data about the effectiveness of CME/CPD in changing physician behavior and patient outcomes in emerging countries remains lacking.
The Next Step
Prolonging and Saving Lives Affected By other Chronic Illnesses
By 2015, Project Globe expects to reach more than 25,000 General Practitioners (GPs) and Family Practitioners (FPs) in many countries with high quality CPD for multiple chronic illnesses. Focusing on Cardiovascular Disease first, and then other illnesses that account for large numbers of deaths and disabilities and huge health care burdens in developing countries, is expected to produce dramatic and quantifiable success in prolonging and saving lives.
Please feel free to download and distribute our brochure: Project Globe Brochure