Working Together

Studies show patients value advice from their health care providers; therefore, health care providers have a unique opportunity to influence their patients' health habits. In addition to providing treatment, health care providers can partner with patients around basic prevention of disease to reduce existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) as well as prevent major risk factors from developing.

Providers can have a significant impact on their patients' health by educating and counseling patients to:

• Monitor and control their blood pressure and cholesterol

• Know the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke and the need to call 911

• Set goals and make healthy lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, getting regular physical activity, eating a heart-healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Participation in clinical practice improvement initiatives can support health care providers in addressing overall systems change. Implementation of improvements in the delivery of care and integration of evidenced-based guidelines in treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease and CVD risk factors will have a substantial impact on the quality of care in a clinical practice.

The Chronic Care Model
The Maine Cardiovascular Health Program (MCVHP) promotes the use of the Chronic Care Model for Maine clinicians and patients through technical assistance and partnerships with State-level organizations. There are a variety of tools and resources available to you.