Informative Insight
Why is EECP Therapy so underutilised?
EECP Therapy offers numerous benefits for patients with cardiovascular conditions, yet it remains under-utilised for several reasons:
- Lack of Awareness: Many healthcare providers and patients are unaware of EECP Therapy as a treatment option for cardiovascular conditions. Limited education and awareness campaigns contribute to its underutilisation.
- Availability: EECP Therapy may not be readily available in all healthcare settings or geographic regions. Limited access to EECP centres or trained providers can restrict its use for patients who could benefit from the treatment.
- Reimbursement Challenges: Reimbursement policies and coverage criteria for EECP Therapy vary among healthcare payers, leading to inconsistencies in access and affordability for patients. Lack of adequate reimbursement may deter healthcare providers from offering EECP Therapy or limit patient access due to financial constraints.
- Preference for Traditional Treatments: Healthcare providers and patients may have a preference for traditional treatments such as medications, invasive procedures, or lifestyle interventions for managing cardiovascular conditions. Limited familiarity or confidence in the efficacy of EECP Therapy may influence treatment decisions.
- Perceived Complexity: Some healthcare providers may perceive EECP Therapy as complex or time-intensive, requiring specialised equipment and staff training. This perception may discourage providers from offering EECP Therapy or referring patients for treatment.
- Cost Considerations: While EECP Therapy is generally considered cost-effective compared to other cardiovascular treatments, upfront costs associated with equipment, training, and infrastructure may pose barriers to adoption for some healthcare facilities or practices.
Addressing these barriers to utilisation requires concerted efforts from healthcare stakeholders, including education and awareness campaigns, advocacy for reimbursement policy reforms, expansion of access to EECP centres, and ongoing research to strengthen the evidence base for EECP Therapy. By overcoming these challenges, EECP Therapy can become more widely recognised and utilised as a valuable treatment option for patients with cardiovascular conditions.