Featured Projects
LifeSeeds- The China Rural Health Initiative
LifeSeeds is the flagship project of The China International Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and The George Institute, China. The project is taking two approaches to reduce the risk for a heart attack or stroke for people living in five rural provinces in Northern China. The first approach trains local village doctors to identify and manage patients who are already at high risk for a cardiovascular event. The second approach is a community-based strategy to educate communities on sodium and how to reduce it in their diets so that they can lead a full and healthy life. These innovative approaches work together to reduce the burden of these chronic diseases while simultaneously building up the skills and capacity of the health system at the local, provincial, and government level. Click here for more information!
CPACS-3: Clinical Pathways in Acute Coronary Syndromes in China Study
The Clinical Pathways in Acute Coronary Syndromes in China Study (CPACS) is a three-part study that focuses on how hospitals in China manage acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Acute coronary syndrome covers a range of heart-related conditions following acute myocardial ischemia, or heart attack, which has been recognized as one of the major forms of heart disease - the world’s biggest killer. CPACS-3 launched as an official project of the Ministry of Health on July 28 2011 in 96 hospitals across 15 provinces of China. CPACS is a joint project of the Chinese Society of Cardiology and The George Institute for Global Health, China with the guidance and support of the Ministry of Health. Click here for more information!
3C: Type 1 Diabetes in China: Building a comprehensive evidence base of its coverage, cost and care
The 3C study is the first study in China to explore the coverage, economic hardship, and management of type 1 diabetes. Like many forms of ill health, the healthcare costs for both patients and hospitals can be a real barrier to maintaining good health. Using a range of methods, from medical record registration to face-to-face interviews, the 3C study will help illustrate how common type I diabetes is in China and what treatment and care is available to these patients. The results of the 3C study will provide valuable information on the size of the burden of type 1 diabetes as well as the financial costs for hospitals, doctors and patients and their families and pave the way for improved services and care for type 1 diabetes in China.
Some of Our Current Projects at The Center
CCCD: China Clinical Control of Dyslipidemia: Goal Attainment Initiative
The China Clinical Control of Dyslipidemia (CCCD) project was established in 2008 to investigate how to close the gap between how doctors are currently treating patients with dyslipidemia in China, and the treatment that is recommended by the new Chinese Guidelines on Prevention and Control of Dyslipidemia. Empowering doctors to make better decisions with their patients on how to manage Dyslipidemia will prevent more patients from experiencing a heart attack or stroke in the future. Awareness of proper guidelines and treatment for Dyslipidemia will let patients get on with living their lives, without the burden of heart disease.
LEADING: Let the Guidelines Guide the Practice
The LEADING study will measure the awareness and knowledge about the role of dyslipidemia and cholesterol in cardiovascular disease in 1,600 patients and 300 doctors in the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing. The study also examines how doctors are treating patients at high-risk of heart disease, or who may already have dyslipidemia, in conjunction with how involved patients are in adjusting their lifestyles and are following their doctor’s instructions. By creating a uniform guideline for doctors and patients to follow, the project aims to increase the patient’s knowledge and encourage them to take more control of their health.
SimCard Study: Simplified Cardiovascular Management Study
Managing life-long conditions like heart disease are difficult in most circumstances, but are especially hard on both doctors and patients with limited resources. The Simplified Cardiovascular Management (SimCard) study will use a simple and low-cost management program that can be delivered by doctors and community health workers to help patients who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease get appropriate treatment, even in a low resource setting without the pharmacies, ambulances and hospitals typical of urban cities. Villages in rural areas of Tibet, China and Haryana, India will participate in this large pilot study on the effectiveness of this simple, guideline-based strategy.
Study of a school oriented and student participating family diet education focusing on diet salt and oil reduction
This study uses a standard health promotion model to help students, their families and their schools reduce the amount of salt and oil in their diet. Using education materials such as slogans and posters, recording salt and oil in meals, supervision and feedback, this study will help students from primary and middle schools develop the good habits they need for long-term good health. This school-student-family interactive health promotion program has been developed by experts in education, nutrition and non-communicable disease control and prevention.
Examples of Completed Projects
CPACS Phases 1 and 2: Clinical Pathways in Acute Coronary Syndromes in China Study
The Clinical Pathways in Acute Coronary Syndromes in China Study (CPACS) is a three-part study that focuses on how hospitals in China manage acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Acute coronary syndrome covers a range of heart-related conditions following acute myocardial ischemia, or heart attack. CPACS-2 recently completed and found that health system capability and the costs of care are some of the barriers to improving the health of patients with ACS. These results have been utilised in designing CPACS-3, which seeks to find solutions to overcome the barriers revealed in CPACS-2.
CSSS-Tibet: China Salt Substitute Study in Tibet
A previous Salt Substitute Study performed by researchers at The George Institute, China found that replacing regular salt with a low-sodium, high-potassium substitute significantly reduced high blood pressure. However, there are still questions to be asked about whether a salt substitute is culturally acceptable as well as economically viable in Tibet. The (CSSS) in Tibet study will test a salt substitute that is simple to use and effective in reducing the amount of high-sodium salt Tibetans consume. By helping Tibetans cut down on the amount of sodium in their diets, this salt substitute will lower their risk of high blood pressure, which is absolutely critical to preventing heart attacks and stroke.
A pilot study of school-based peer education and obesity-related behaviours in adolescents in Beijing, China
The rising rates of obesity worldwide are also rising in children. Knowing how to make good food choices, making exercise a regular and important part of their lifestyle, and having support from their friends and family can reinforce healthy habits in children and teens. This school-based peer education pilot study did just that through training students as healthy lifestyle educators who educate their classmates and provide support when students find making changes difficult. Harnessing the power of peers at an early age can set a firm foundation for a long and healthy life.
A Simplified Approach to Managing Cardiovascular Disease in Chinese Communities: A Pilot Study
This study did a quality assessment of how community health centres in China routinely manage patients at high risk for a cardiovascular condition, such as a stroke or heart disease. This pilot study reviewed four community health centres to evaluate the performance of the physicians, particularly around screening patients for their cardiovascular risk. We also examined the barriers to screening for cardiovascular disease and providing simple but effective treatment.
For further information on projects in The Center of Excellence, please contact Polly Huang at hliping@georgeinstitute.org.cn.
