The Value of MedTech – European Parliament debate on heart failure: From early detection to better coordination

On 24th February 2016, the Italian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Aldo Patriciello in collaboration with MedTech Europe* held a multi-stakeholder debate at the Parliament on the social and economic impact of heart failure. Policy-makers discussed with patients, healthcare professionals and industry experts how this condition severely affects people’s lives and society at large. There was broad agreement amongst the experts that heart failure will have the magnitude of a tsunami on the sustainability of national healthcare systems if not placed high on the political agenda. Critical elements to address this societal challenge include the need for early and accurate diagnosis, a multi-disciplinary approach to acute care, aftercare as well as proper education and empowerment of the patient.

*supported by St Jude Medical, Edwards Lifesciences and Roche