Adriatic cardiovascular diseases prevention network

The project consists in the preparation and the pilot implementation of a common cardiovascular diseases (CVD) prevention program in order to decrease morbidity and mortality of this major public health problem and biggest killer in the Adriatic Region. By improving population’s health status we’d like to create an essential prerequisite for the improvement of competitiveness and sustainable development of the Adriatic Region in all their aspects. Our goal is to make the prevention work more economic, the dissemination of information easier and the availability of science based prevention services improved, in spite of the global crises that slows down the investments in health promotion. The prevention program will be adapted to 3 specific situations in our regions: one in north Italy (the country with the lowest CVD mortality in the Adriatic Region), one in Albania (with the highest mortality) and one in Croatia (Istrian Region) which has a mean value. Those 3 concepts will be developed by strengthening the existing / creating new networks (intra/inter-regional, intra-national and international) in the cooperation of local authorities, health systems, educational systems and NGOs. Taking in consideration the common background of the CVD risk factors and the similarities of lifestyles in the whole Adriatic Region, we plan to develop a common multi-lingual ICT connected prevention and education network using the added value of a cross-border program with the possibilities of a joint development, implementation, staffing and financing. At the same time we’ll respect the specific regions that are at different stages of development, have different legislatives, health and educational systems and need special approaches in addressing certain segments of CVD prevention. By including some associates from other Adriatic regions, countries and institutions on national levels, we want to provide their inputs and their experiences in the development of the CVD prevention models and at the same time to allow their representatives to be educated and involved in the developmental process. So we’d like to ensure the viability of expanding the models in other Adriatic areas and the sustainability of the program. To achieve our objectives we plan first of all to conduct the needs assessments in the chosen regions emphasizing analysis of professional skills and existing resources involved in CVD prevention. Based on the analysis results we’ll develop a model of CVD prevention and new networks of cooperation among professional and institutions; we’ll update or develop new curricula for health, education and training professionals with regards to CVD prevention; we’ll train them by using cross-border knowledge and experience sharing; and promote a process of accreditation of medical staff involved in CVD prevention. Besides, depending on local resources and needs we plan to organize or establish new centers for health promotion and CVD prevention, diagnosis or rehabilitation within partners’ existing structures. We need to invest some funds in infrastructure and equipment. Through these centers we’ll organize health promotion actions, media presentations, awareness and dissemination events; we’ll educate citizens including minorities (healthy, at risk or CVD patients) about lifestyle and behaviour change by using the courses developed through the project; we’ll coordinate our website; we’ll provide additional services in order to shortening waiting lists for CVD diagnosis and medical examinations and prevent CVD complications. We’ll lift the prevention above the national standards and health institutions regulations, improving equality in the preventive field and better population’s health status. Acronyms: Region of Istria: IR; ADRA Albania: ADRA; Central Vocational Training School: SCF; Istrian health care center: IDZ; General Hospital Pula: OB; “Azienda Unità Locale Socio-Sanitaria 14 Chioggia: ULSS; “OUR LADY OF HEALTH” CARE HOUSE: MDS.