Making a difference: describing and evaluating the impact of the Dutch CardioVascular Alliance

In 2018, the Dutch CardioVascular Alliance (DCVA), a collaboration between 24 partners in the cardiovascular field, expressed the ambition to reduce the cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden in the Netherlands by 25% in 2030. This project aimed to evaluate the extent to which the activities within the DCVA contribute to a reduction in the burden defined as morbidity and mortality combined.

The role and potential impact of the DCVA was assessed. Three assessments were conducted: 1) to determine the potential impact of consortia (n = 32) using a checklist; 2) to estimate the potential health benefit (quality-adjusted life years, (QALYs)) and cost savings from a snapshot of consortia (n = 4).

Most of the consortia focused on treatment (31%), followed by secondary prevention/monitoring (23%) and diagnosis (23%). Almost all consortia (n = 31) aim to reduce morbidity and two-thirds (n = 21) aim to reduce mortality. The four consortia evaluated were Check@Home, LoDoCo2, CONTRAST 2.0 and IMPRESS, with pathways in screening, treatment, treatment and diagnosis, respectively. The total estimated cumulative QALYs gained (from 2023 to 2030) were 1,694, 362, 2,783, and 3,655 respectively.

Although it is impossible to estimate the full impact of the DCVA itself, the presented checklist and analyses may increase awareness of the different DCVA activities, roles, and consortia. Existing HTA methods can support the exploration of the potential impact generated by each consortium within the DCVA. The current portfolio of DCVA consortia contributes extensively to the DCVA goal of reducing the CVD burden, provided there is effective support for the adoption and implementation of innovations.