New research reveals major inequalities in accessibility across Canada

MONTREAL, July 22, 2024 /CNW/ – “I saw three cardiologists, two pulmonologists, several emergency physicians, a primary care physician, and another cardiologist over many years before I was finally diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH). PH was never on their radar as a possible diagnosis, even though it should have been,” says a patient advocate living with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This troubling delay in diagnosis is just one of many critical issues highlighted in the new report. “A Canadian initiative: research into pulmonary hypertension in adults.” The report provides important insights into PH and is intended to be an important resource for healthcare professionals, industry representatives, patients and the general public. It is available for download at:

https://chroniclungdiseases.com/en/resources/pulmonary-hypertension/

RESPIPLUS, in collaboration with the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Canada, the Canadian Thoracic Society and the Family Physician Airways Group of Canadahas convened a panel of key opinion leaders, scientific experts and patients to conduct this review.

Pulmonary hypertension in Canada

PH is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, resulting in increased workload on the right side of the heart. It can have several causes, including idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, rheumatologic diseases, liver disease, left heart disease, lung disease, and chronic thromboembolic disease.

PH affects thousands of Canadians, and the path to diagnosis can be long and difficult. This delay can drastically impact the quality of life and health of those affected. This new research provides an in-depth look at these issues, supported by expert interviews, survey data and patient reports, and highlights the urgent need for improved education and diagnostic processes.

The survey and expert interviews conducted as part of this study revealed several serious gaps in care:

• Diagnostic delays and under-detection

• Long waiting times for referral to a specialist

• Inadequate access to specialized PH centers (often due to distance)

DR. Lisa MielniczukCardiologist, had compelling insights into access to PH clinics: “It is very difficult for our patients in the northern parts Canada to come. Some of them are very sick. The thought of having to drive 8-10 hours to visit us is just too physically demanding for them. Even boarding a plane is not easy for them, especially if they need oxygen. It is definitely proportional to the degree of disability or illness of the patient.”

The story goes on

This report calls on industry, healthcare professionals, policy makers and the public to address the critical issues of pulmonary hypertension in Canada. Evidence-based strategies such as medical therapies, lifestyle changes and supportive care are recommended. Key areas where improvement is needed include timely diagnosis, access to specialized care and education. The report emphasizes empowering patients through accessible information about their condition, treatment options and lifestyle adjustments.

About RESPIPLUS

Respiplus, a Canadian non-profit organization with 20 years of experience, develops high-quality training programs for chronic respiratory diseases. Their mission is to improve diagnosis, optimize treatment strategies and improve respiratory health.

www.respiplus.com

SOURCE RESPIPLUS

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