Last year AstraZeneca and Harteraad embarked on a partnership to help improve the patient experience for those with heart failure in the Netherlands. Together they wanted to pinpoint opportunities for care improvement. So, they set out to gain a deep understanding of the current acute and chronic care patient pathways.
Harteraad was a natural partner for AstraZeneca as their mission aligns perfectly with its patient-centric strategy. Harteraad focuses on helping people with cardiovascular disease and their loved ones with practical, social and emotional support. The patient association represents 1.7 million people in the Netherlands and serves their interest with government, scientific research, insurers and healthcare professionals.
AstraZeneca and Harteraad engaged SKIM to conduct the patient research. SKIM’s healthcare experts are well-versed in patient research and cardiovascular disease. The goal was to uncover opportunities to improve patient communications and support strategies. SKIM mapped the patient journey and explored the health information behavior of patients living with the disease and delivered the following actionable insights:
- Patient’s emotional journey
- Patient experience with healthcare and HCPs
- Patient’s health information needs at different moments along their journey
The insights now serve as a compass, directing the creation of materials and services for these patients.
“Collaborating with Harteraad (patient association) and SKIM aligns with our mission to provide value ‘beyond-the-pill.” The insights gained are helping us optimize content and services aimed at elevating the quality of care and life for those affected by heart failure.”
Stijn Gijsbers, Medical Advisor Cardiovascular, Metabolism & Renal
AstraZeneca
Harteraad shared the results with patients online and is currently working together with HCPs work together to address the points of interest.