Description
A recent survey by the National Minority Cardiovascular (NMC) Alliance showed that clinicians and the minority patients they serve do not see eye to eye on key issues that affect patients’ care and health. The study included 300 patients and clinicians, representing Black, Hispanic/Latino, Pacific Islander, and American Indian communities across the United States.
At least two-thirds of the patients surveyed said their heart health is one of their most important concerns. Yet, more than three-fourths of clinicians said minority patients do not prioritize heart health. And while the overwhelming majority of clinicians said the main reason minority patients delay care or treatment is because of health care costs, patients said difficulty with transportation, long travel times getting to their clinicians, and their inability to get timely appointments are equally significant obstacles. These contrasting views, the researchers said, may contribute to health care recommendations for minority patients that do not always address their needs.
The study by the NMC Alliance, a Healthy Hearts Network partner, was conducted as part of its effort to increase access to research about the health experiences of minority populations, especially those related to cardiovascular care.
"We have so much data on the inequities in healthcare for heart patients," said
Jessica Seyfried, MPH, MSW, director of the NMC Alliance. "But we wanted to hear from minority patients and their clinicians to really learn about their experience: What's it like for them being a heart patient seeking care?"
Since 2016 the NMC Alliance has been working to eliminate inequities that affect cardiovascular outcomes in minority populations. They have done this largely by focusing on the role genetics, culture, and socioeconomic status play. "We want to know about the healthcare opportunities and challenges that are common to all minorities,” Seyfried said, “but we also want to know about the unique opportunities and challenges that are particular to each minority population.”
For example, in the new study, Hispanic/Latino patients reported that they have the most difficulty navigating the health care system, largely because of language barriers. Few of their clinicians speak their native language or have access to translators. However, language difficulties did not show up as a big barrier for other groups.
Even within an individual minority population, experiences in health care can be different, Seyfried said, acknowledging that no one culture or ethnicity is monolithic. That’s why the organization’s focus is purposely inclusive. "We wanted to create a space where we can honor these differences, but also come together around shared issues and opportunities," she said.
Promoting a strong, diverse membership
The NMC Alliance, which was formed by the Make Well Known Foundation, has been on a mission from the start: to boost the collective impact of those who care about the heart health of people living in minority communities. "We bring together partners from the many sectors that touch minority cardiovascular health," Seyfried said.
Alliance members include individual doctors, nurses, and researchers, as well as patient and provider advocacy groups, nonprofits, industry groups, and others. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), one of the group’s founding steering committee members, is represented on the NMC Alliance advisory board. "We want our input to be as diverse as possible, because cardiovascular health is affected by so many different factors," Seyfried added.
Making heart health resources handy
The NMC Alliance hosts a searchable database called eCARDIO Hub, where users can find articles, research, and data on minority heart health. "You can search by keyword, date, and population, for example," Seyfried said. All Healthy Hearts Network partners, Seyfried said, should register their organizations so that users can find them and tap them as resources.
In addition to the clearinghouse, the group offers master classes on topics of interest to clinicians. And it soon will be rolling out its Master Class on Dyslipidemia, which will focus on a disease that is a major risk factor for cardiovascular events. “This will be a great resource for care teams," Seyfried said. The class will teach providers how to communicate about cholesterol with their minority patients and increase clinicians' cultural competence. To create the class, the NMC Alliance interviewed clinicians and patients about barriers to managing cholesterol.
Creating public conversation
Every year the Alliance host a public town hall on the influence of culture, genetics, and social determinants of health on cardiovascular health and disease. This year’s meeting—on Thursday, October 22—will be online. A panel of experts will discuss COVID-19 and the impact of racism on cardiovascular health.
Partnering with The Heart Truth®
As the NMC Alliance works to fulfill its mission, Seyfried said the group will continue nurturing relationships with its partners, including The Heart Truth®. “We’re very excited about our partnership with The Heart Truth,” she said. “It has such wonderful resources,”—not just for patients, but also for the organizations and clinicians who are part of the NMC Alliance.
The Heart Truth on Twitter chats have been especially useful, she said. “We’re a fairly new organization, and the Twitter chats have been an excellent way to get our name out there.”
