Improving PH Diagnosis and Care One Conversation at a Time

One way PHA Canada helps improve the diagnosis and management of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is by reaching out and collaborating with healthcare professionals (HCPs). HCPs play a key role in ensuring that PH is recognized and investigated promptly, so patients receive the appropriate care and treatment, regardless of the type of PH they have.

PHA Canada has built strong, long-term relationships with PH expert centres across Canada. These centres mainly treat people with Group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and Group 4 chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). By working together, we ensure that patients are connected to PHA Canada’s programs and resources, and that their needs are considered when clinicians and researchers seek solutions to PH-related challenges.

PHA Canada also participates in medical education events to help patients with PH get diagnosed sooner and find the best care, treatment, and support. Last month, we spent three days at the Canadian Cardiovascular Society’s annual conference. Just last week, we spent four days raising awareness about PH and PHA Canada at one of Western Canada’s biggest education events for primary care doctors and nurse practitioners.

These events are about much more than giving out brochures and free pens, even though the pens are always a hit. They give us a chance to meet and connect with HCPs, researchers, students, industry representatives, and other patient groups. These connections bring more visitors to PHA Canada’s website, increase the use of our resources, and build stronger relationships that help us work together to improve the lives of Canadians affected by PH.

It’s exciting when a doctor approaches PHA Canada’s table and exclaims, “PH - what an important and underdiagnosed issue!” It’s even more satisfying when a nurse in a rural area thanks you for bringing new resources to their attention for their patients, or when a physician expresses interest in attending PHA Canada’s annual medical education event for the first time. 

There are a lot of important health issues that need attention from HCPs. Having a presence at medical education events is one more way for PHA Canada to stand out and ensure that the voices of people living with PH are heard.