Career interventions for people with non‑communicable diseases
Scientific publications by JACARDI
In this post series we share the scientific publications directly linked to the JACARDI project. All publications featured in this series are authored or co-authored by JACARDI partners and reflect research and findings developed within the project framework.
We aim to showcase how evidence supports our joint mission to tackle cardiovascular diseases and diabetes across Europe.
Stay informed on how JACARDI turns evidence into action.
Keywords Non-communicable diseases · Career intervention · Inclusion · Work ability · Chronic diseases
Authors: Martina Lanza, Alessia Marcassoli, Leonardi Matilde ,Guastafierro Erika, Ewelina Chawłowska, Agnieszka Lipiak, Maria Nowosadko, Barbara Gawłowska, Fornari Arianna
Abstract:
Aim Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are medical conditions associated with long duration and slow progress. Many working-age persons with chronic conditions face job-related difficulties. The aim of this scoping review is to provide evidence about career interventions implemented in Europe for people with non-communicable diseases.
Subject and methods Studies were searched using PubMed and Scopus electronic databases and the selection process followed the Population Concept Context framework. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of studies included. The search string was based on two main terms: “health condition” and “intervention in the labour setting”.
Studies conducted in European countries and published in English between 2020 and 2024 were included.
Results A total of 830 studies were screened and five were finally included. Quality assessment score ranged from 40 to 100%. Most of the studies describe interventions provided in clinical settings involving mainly healthcare professionals.
All included studies aimed to increase healthcare professionals’ knowledge on managing chronic diseases at work and/or to support patients’ return to work. However, no companies or employers were involved in the implementation strategies, highlighting an important gap in the application of interventions in a real-world context.
Conclusion The evidence on workplace interventions for workers with NCDs in Europe is very limited. Existing initiatives focus largely on healthcare-based approaches and professional training but without translation into real-world workplace contexts. Strengthening communication between healthcare systems, occupational health services, and business organizations is essential to develop and implement feasible interventions. As the number of working-age persons with non-communicable diseases is increasing and will probably increase in the future, supporting this group’s work ability constitutes an urgent public health challenge.
Source: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10389-025-02640-9
European countries unite in Madrid to tackle health inequalities at the General Assembly of JACARDI
From 14 to 16 October 2025, Madrid hosts the third General Assembly of the Joint Action on Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes (JACARDI), gathering more than 200 participants from 21 European countries
- Discussions centre on health, equity, gender disparities, monitoring systems, sustainability across all the “patient journey”, and the forthcoming EU Cardiovascular Health Plan.
- High-level institutional representatives, including the European Commission, the WHO Regional Office for Europe and health authorities from Spain, together with key experts and representatives from the scientific and civil society, deliver keynote speeches setting the stage for dialogue with the aim to strengthen collaboration to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases across Europe
Madrid, Spain – Equity in health remains one of Europe’s most pressing challenges. Differences in access to care, diagnosis, and treatment continue to shape health outcomes across the region. Gender is emerging as a particularly critical dimension, as women in Europe face worse outcomes in cardiovascular disease, from higher mortality after heart attacks to longer delays in receiving treatment. Furthermore, data from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC Atlas of Cardiology) reveals that 40% of women in the EU die from cardiovascular disease.
This challenging reality is at the centre of discussions at the Third General Assembly of the Joint Action on Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes (JACARDI), taking place in Madrid from 14 to 16 October and hosted at the Spanish Ministry of Health and the Ilustre Colegio Oficial de Médicos de Madrid.
The Assembly brings together more than 200 representatives from 21 European countries, including the European Commission, the WHO Regional Office for Europe, scientific societies, and patient organisations. This year’s programme places gender and equity at the heart of the agenda, alongside sustainability, data monitoring, and the forthcoming EU Cardiovascular Health Plan.
With equal access to prevention and care at the forefront, participants reflect on the progress made during the first two years of JACARDI to highlight lessons learned and barriers tackled while improving care pathways in diverse settings across European health systems.
“At the heart of JACARDI is the belief that health systems must serve everyone, fairly and equally. That’s why equity and diversity are not side topics in JACARDI, they are central to everything we do. This General Assembly in Madrid is an opportunity to show that together we can accelerate the shift towards a more equitable and healthier future”, adds Dr Benedetta Armocida, JACARDI’s Coordinator.
“Women are more likely to die from a heart attack and yet remain underrepresented in clinical trials, leaving critical knowledge gaps that perpetuate unequal care. Recognising gender differences in cardiovascular disease is not about division, it is about improving care to meet the unique needs of everyone”, says Dr Héctor Bueno, co-leader of JACARDI’s Work Package on data availability and quality and group leader of the Multidisciplinary Translational Cardiovascular Research at the Spanish National Centre for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC).
In the spotlight: The Cardiovascular Health Plan
The meeting takes place at a pivotal moment as the European Commission prepares the Cardiovascular Health Plan. By connecting JACARDI’s insights and pilot experiences to this political momentum, the Assembly intends to strengthen motivation, collaboration, and collective capacity to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases across Europe. To this end, there is a dedicated roundtable during the event focusing on the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, featuring representatives from DG SANTE (the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety), the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), and scientific societies such as the European Society of Cardiology, the European Heart Network, the European Diabetes Forum and the International Diabetes Federation.
Contributions from WHO Regional Office for Europe and the JA PreventNCD initiative on monitoring systems and reducing health inequities are included on the agenda as well as pilot experiences from Portugal, Spain, Iceland, Romania, Belgium, Ireland, Italy and Poland, highlighting early results from JACARDI’s 143 pilot projects.
The agenda also explores sustainability and the translation of evidence into policy, ensuring that JACARDI’s pilot actions contribute to long-term change. On October 15 and 16, dedicated sessions explore specific focus areas, such as health literacy, integrated care pathways, data accessibility, and patient self-management. These workshops are designed to facilitate in-depth discussions and promote actionable insights to enhance health outcomes across Europe.
JACARDI, a Joint Action of the European Union, is a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Through coordinated efforts among European member states, the program focuses on evidence-based strategies and best practices to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases effectively. JACARDI is conducting 143 pilots to test evidence-based practices for preventing and managing cardiovascular disease and diabetes, with 81 partner institutions across 21 European countries.
Adopting tailored interprofessional protocols in general practice
Scientific publications by JACARDI
In this post series we share the scientific publications directly linked to the JACARDI project. All publications featured in this series are authored or co-authored by JACARDI partners and reflect research and findings developed within the project framework.
We aim to showcase how evidence supports our joint mission to tackle cardiovascular diseases and diabetes across Europe.
Stay informed on how JACARDI turns evidence into action.
Authors: Laurent Desmet, Eva Goossens, Peter Van Bogaert and Katrien Danhieux
Abstract:
Background As the burden of non-communicable diseases continues to rise, general practices in primary care face increasing challenges in delivering high-quality care while managing workload constraints. Interprofessional care models, supported by practice-tailored protocols, offer a promising approach to optimizing task shifting and enhancing care coordination. However, the transition towards protocol-based interprofessional care remains complex and understudied.
Objective This study explores the experiences of general practices in developing and implementing practicetailored protocols to facilitate interprofessional care. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we identify key barriers, facilitators and strategies that support this transition.
Method We conducted a qualitative study in Flanders, Belgium, using semi-structured interviews with 33 healthcare providers from 18 general practices. Participants represented various disciplines, including general practitioners, nurses, dietitians and reception staff. A hybrid qualitative analysis was applied, beginning with an inductive analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s thematic approach, followed by a deductive phase guided by the CFIR-framework.
Results The findings highlight several key factors influencing the development and implementation of practicetailored protocols in general practices. Participants emphasized that clear task allocation and communication structures within protocols improved care coordination. External factors, such as financial constraints and high workloads, posed challenges, whereas collaborations with external healthcare providers facilitated interprofessional teamwork. Internal practice dynamics, including a shared vision, mutual trust, and structured team meetings, were identified as crucial enablers. At the individual level, motivation to adopt protocols varies, with some physicians expressing reluctance due to concerns about shifting patient relationships and increasing complexity in their caseloads. The implementation process benefited from a stepwise approach guided by a team leader, clear goal
setting, continuous evaluation and peer learning.
Source: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12913-025-13424-y
Evaluating the effectiveness of lifestyle education for individuals at increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases(Halt2Diabetes)
Scientific publications by JACARDI
In this post series we share the scientific publications directly linked to the JACARDI project. All publications featured in this series are authored or co-authored by JACARDI partners and reflect research and findings developed within the project framework.
We aim to showcase how evidence supports our joint mission to tackle cardiovascular diseases and diabetes across Europe.
Stay informed on how JACARDI turns evidence into action.
Authors: Jorik Vergauwen, Fanny Monnet, Josefien Van Olmen, Edwin Wouters, Katrien Danhieux, Laurent Desmet, Monika Martens, Ruth Verdegem, Justine Vanhaecke, Aurélie Lampaert, Sabine Verstraete, Inge Everaert and William Leysen
Abstract:
Background Halt2Diabetes is a prevention initiative in Flanders, Belgium, targeting the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The program uses a two-step approach to identify high-risk individuals and guide them towards healthier lifestyles, reducing T2D and CVD risk factors. Building on evidence that lifestyle interventions can prevent both conditions by addressing modifiable risk factors, this research evaluates the effectiveness of Halt2Diabetes as a scalable real-world intervention and its potential as a blueprint for other contexts.
Methods The Halt2Diabetes program identifies high-risk individuals using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) through an online risk assessment tool. Eligible participants, referred by general practitioners, participate in six groupbased lifestyle guidance sessions led by trained dietitians, focusing on healthy eating, physical activity, and behavior modification. This longitudinal study employs repeated measurements at five time points over 18 months. Primary outcomes include changes in body weight, waist circumference, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. Secondary outcomes encompass blood pressure, cholesterol levels, physical activity, and dietary habits. Data collection involves self-reported questionnaires, biochemical measures, and anthropometric assessments. Analysis will examine longitudinal changes in health and behavioral outcomes among participants.
Discussion This study will provide evidence for the real-world effectiveness of Halt2Diabetes in promoting sustained lifestyle changes and reducing T2D and CVD risk factors. Despite challenges including participation barriers and data integration needs, the program’s scalable, digitalized risk assessment model shows promise for broader application.
Source: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-025-24462-w
From evidence to impact: a united call for equity-driven and sustainable action on NCDs
- JACARDI, JA PreventNCD, WHO Europe, OECD and the European Commission’s DG SANTE have published a joint Comment in The Lancet Regional Health, based on the findings of the newly published report ‘Avoidable mortality, risk factors and policies for tackling NCDs: leveraging data for impact’, by WHO Europe.
- The Comment underscores the critical role of cross-national collaboration in translating WHO findings into actionable policies, with a focus on equity, data-driven solutions, and integrated care pathways.
- These organizations call for an accelerated, harmonised and equity-driven European agenda on non-communicable diseases.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain the leading cause of death and disability in Europe, and recent trends reveal both progress and setbacks. While tobacco use, hypertension prevalence, and alcohol consumption have declined since 2010, obesity and diabetes rates continue to rise alarmingly, and physical inactivity shows no signs of improvement. This mixed picture is compounded by a slowdown in the implementation of vital public health policies since the COVID-19 pandemic.
These findings are discussed in a Comment published in The Lancet Regional Health and developed through a collaborative effort bringing together JACARDI, JA PreventNCD, WHO Europe, OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), and the European Commission’s DG SANTE. The publication summarises the findings of the report Avoidable mortality, risk factors and policies for tackling noncommunicable diseases – leveraging data for impact: monitoring commitments in the WHO European Region ahead of the Fourth United Nations High-Level Meeting, by WHO Europe, reinforcing the urgency of renewed action. It emphasises the need for comprehensive solutions that prioritise strengthening health systems, accelerating the implementation of proven interventions, effective policies, and integrating equity-driven approaches.
The Comment presents key insights taken from the WHO Europe Report on the current state of NCD prevention and management in Europe. It highlights key challenges, such as the decline in the number of countries that have fully implemented NCD surveys, which fell from 28% in 2021 to 19% in 2023, and the reduction in the number of countries with operational multisectoral NCD strategies, which decreased from 60% to 55% during this period.
Despite these challenges, the authors note that 85% of European countries have adopted management guidelines for the four major NCDs: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases; demonstrating significant foundational progress.
“These figures paint a complex picture. Despite decades of progress in reducing premature mortality from the four major NCDs prioritised by global agenda, currently the region is off track to meet its 2025 targets. Moreover, the rise in obesity and diabetes and the slowdown in policy implementation highlight the urgent need to reinvigorate our efforts”, comments first author Dr Benedetta Armocida, from the Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-metabolic Diseases and Aging at Istituto Superiore di Sanità-ISS, Rome (Italy) and Coordinator of JACARDI.
The Scientific Coordinator of JA PreventNCD, Prof Knut-Inge Klepp, concurs and is particularly concerned regarding the slowdown in the implementation of population level policy interventions:
“We know how critical such policies are if we are to succeed in having a significant and lasting impact across population groups in Europe. Inequalities in NCD-related health remain a key challenge across and within European countries”.
Driving change
The European Union’s flagship initiatives under the EU4Health Programme are pivotal in addressing these challenges. JACARDI and JA PreventNCD are at the forefront of strengthening cross-national collaboration and implementing integrated strategies for NCD prevention and management.
JA PreventNCD targets primary prevention by tackling root causes such as unhealthy diets, tobacco and alcohol use, and lack of physical activity. JACARDI, meanwhile, focuses on secondary and tertiary prevention, aiming to enhance outcomes for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes through evidence-based interventions and integrated care pathways. Together, these initiatives exemplify the EU’s commitment to tackling NCDs across the care continuum, supported by a combined budget of €160 million and participation from 27 European countries.
The WHO NCD Global Monitoring Framework, which includes nine global voluntary targets, notably the headline goal of a 25% reduction in premature mortality from NCDs by 2025, is about to expire. That is why the authors provide a clear roadmap for advancing the fight against NCDs, ensuring systematic policy implementation and strengthening data infrastructures to translate commitments into measurable health outcomes.
“There are no more excuses. We have the knowledge and the tools. What remains is the will to implement them swiftly and hold ourselves accountable for delivering real results. This is not just a matter of public health; this is a matter of justice, security, and competitiveness, and a shared future”, says Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, World Health Organization Regional Director for Europe.
Armocida and Klepp underscore the power of collaboration in achieving meaningful change: “We truly believe this joint effort reflects the strength and unity across Europe, bringing together a diverse group of organisations, initiatives, and stakeholders committed to reducing the burden of NCDs. The collaborative authorship of this Comment itself serves as an example of the collective commitment and shared vision needed to address one of the region’s most pressing public health challenges.”
The Comment calls for an accelerated, harmonised, and equity-driven European agenda on NCDs, particularly in the lead-up to the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs.
The JA PreventNCD and JACARDI Joint Actions encourage policymakers, researchers, and public health advocates to explore this vital publication and join in building a healthier, more equitable future for Europe.
JACARDI (Grant Agreement 101126953) and JA PreventNCD (Grant Agreement 101128023) projects have received funding from the EU4Health Programme 2021-2027.
Charles Agyemang: The challenge, especially with minority populations, is building trust
Some communities may seem hard to reach, but the real issue is that we don’t know how to connect with them, says Charles Agyemang, professor of Global Migration, Ethnicity and Health at the University of Amsterdam. As a member of JACARDI’s Scientific Advisory Board and an expert on ethnic inequalities in health and non-communicable diseases, he shares his experiences in working to connect with and empower minority communities. We also discussed the importance of addressing diversity in Europe and how JACARDI is leading the way.
What significance does JACARDI hold for you and your organisation in terms of its mission and values?
JACARDI is bringing a new dimension and aims to change the way things are done at the European level. The extensive network provides an excellent opportunity to interact with people, re-evaluate existing practices, and learn from other countries. It is quite exciting that JACARDI places inequalities at the center of its focus.
For me and my team, this is an opportunity to learn about what is happening across Europe and to contribute to ensuring that care and services related to cardiovascular disease are delivered equitably across Europe, taking into account people from diverse backgrounds such as migrant and ethnic minority groups.
How do you see JACARDI’s role in tackling the increasing prevalence of CVDs and diabetes in Europe?
Over the years, many countries have been working on cardiovascular diseases, but often in silos. When it comes to diversity and its various aspects, such as ethnicity and gender, many countries have been addressing these issues in their own ways and often with limited attention.
Now JACARDI provides an opportunity to raise awareness, share best practices among countries, and develop excellent ideas that can be implemented locally. It also allows countries to assess how far they have progressed, and engage with others in the process. More importantly, it ensures that countries are not working alone in silos. They have a network of people to rely on and seek input from when needed, fostering a collective responsibility to address this issue at the European level.
What is our role in promoting equity in healthcare?
Diversity cuts across the entire project, which is what makes it unique. In other words, regardless of what you are working on in your country, it is essential to apply a vested lens to it. I believe that adopting diversity as a horizontal approach should be the approach that is taken across the world.
This is the flagship element of the project. Everyone involved is expected to take it seriously and actively work on it. Having a dedicated work package focused on this ensures a constant reminder and provides a source of support for those seeking help. Some countries are more advanced in addressing these themes, and this project creates an opportunity to support countries that are less developed in their approach to diversity.
One important issue is the sustainability of the project’s results. There should be a plan and funding to enable the implementation of the diversity lens across all of Europe and ensure equitable healthcare for everyone regardless of ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation and so forth after JACARDI.
How do you see the significance of considering cultural diversity in the development of treatment for diabetes and cardiovascular disease and what is the most critical aspect of this?
The fact of the matter is that Europe today is very diverse, especially in urban centers. This is a reality, and we must address it. Diversity plays a crucial role in cardiovascular diseases, and understanding it is key to addressing inequalities in health and healthcare.
It also makes economic sense to address these gaps. For example, if we know that a specific group is affected by hypertension and we ignore this, individuals may eventually end up in the hospital with strokes, and society will bear a heavy cost of treating and caring for stroke patients. We should focus on the individuals or groups most affected and implement effective interventions to support them in living healthier lives.
Many of these inequalities are tied to social determinants of health and access to resources. For example, not everyone has the privilege of living a healthy life because of financial constraints, which may prevent them from buying healthy food. No matter how much health information you provide to specific communities, it is not going to be effective if their social and economic circumstances are not right. There must be a plan backed by resources to simultaneously promote healthy life and improve social and economic circumstances among a culturally diverse population.
Do you have any tips or valuable experiences on how to implement research findings in healthcare to benefit both the system and the patients?
It is crucial to involve the communities that matter from the very beginning of the implementation process. Their voices, especially those that are often unheard, must be included. We need to empower these communities, ensuring they are not just recipients but co-creators of the initiatives. By working together with communities from the start, we can ensure that the program is meaningful and sustainable.
Often, there is a tendency to go into communities and tell them what they should do. Instead, we should focus on ensuring that people are actively engaged in decisions, so that they take ownership of the program. When communities take ownership, they are more likely to ensure the program’s continued success after its initial implementation.
It’s crucial to recognize that long-term commitment is necessary for the success of a program. Governments must invest in supporting communities, especially those from lower economic groups and minorities, as it offers long-term benefits.
Do you have advice on how we can reach different communities?
People often say some communities are “hard to reach,” but the real issue is that we don’t know how to connect with or reach them. In fact, these communities are quite accessible if we approach them the right way and through proper channels.
The challenge, especially with minority populations, is building trust. To truly connect with people, we need to focus on establishing trust and building bridges. It’s about making people feel comfortable and valued. We need to invest time, establish relationships, and co-create with them.
Many times, researchers only engage when they need something, but we should connect even when we don’t need anything. By forming relationships and spending time with communities, it becomes easier to reach out when the need arises.
Charles Agyemang is a professor of Global Migration, Ethnicity and Health at Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam. He is currently the Vice President of the EUPHA Migrant health section, Secretary of EUPHA’s Governing Board and Scientific Chair of the Global Society of Migration, Ethnicity, Race and Health. He is also a member of the prestigious US National Academy of Medicine and The European Academy. His work focuses on migration and health, particularly in relation to cardiovascular diseases. One of his most notable projects is the RODAM study, which investigates obesity and type 2 diabetes among African migrants.
Learn more about Charles Agyemang and his work here and connect on Linkedin here
Experts from WHO Europe, JA Prevent and JACARDI gathered for a joint event
Data has the power to save lives
Many passionate voices came together on September 10th in Brussels to address the pressing challenges of preventing and controlling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The event, Strengthening NCD Monitoring Systems in the EU: A Collaborative Approach, brought together representatives from WHO Europe, JA Prevent, JACARDI, and several Member States. Their shared insights and best practices sparked crucial discussions, setting the stage for a more coordinated and impactful approach to NCD monitoring.
“Iremember the excitement of the political cadre before the 2011 high-level UN meeting on NCDs” – reflected Dr. Galea Gauden, strategic advisor to the WHO Regional Director for Europe just one year before the next UN high-level meeting 2025. At that time, momentum had been building, but new data show that COVID-19 pandemic derailed Europe’s progress toward achieving NCD targets, as Dr. Ivo Rakovac, WHO’s regional advisor on NCD surveillance highlighted. This setback has had a profound impact on societies, families, and communities and EU countries are still lagging behind in target setting and health examination surveys. Despite the available science and research, demonstrating the success of NCD prevention programs and gaining political support remains a significant challenge.
The way we can fight this challenge, is to bring together and share all recent data on NCD prevention and intervention and turn them into a tool for advocacy. Data-driven policies are essential for combating noncommunicable diseases, the biggest health threat in our region. This event marked an essential first step in coordinating efforts across participating organisations, each showcasing their objectives and achievements. For JACARDI, partnerships with WHO Europe and JA Prevent are vital, as collaboration is key to amplifying our collective impact. As of 2023, only 48% of countries in the WHO European region have fully implemented recommended NCD policies and capacities in key areas such as surveillance and governance, tobacco control, alcohol control, unhealthy diet reduction, physical activity promotion and NCD management in health systems. At the event, frontrunners like Norway, Spain, Estonia and Denmark shared success stories, while Germany, Finland, and Italy offered best practices in NCD monitoring. One of the event’s highlights was an innovative closing session led by Dr. Gauden, where participants contributed to drafting a joint political declaration. Using an AI tool, he summarised the most frequently cited ideas, leading to the following key takeaways:
Data and Monitoring
We should harmonise data collection methods, ensuring the availability and usability of health data. By interconnecting monitoring systems for NCDs, risk factors, and determinants, we will enable more effective decision-making, policy advocacy, and targeted interventions for NCD prevention.
Political Commitment and Accountability
We recognise the need for enhanced political will to address NCDs with evidence-based interventions and clear accountability. Governments must take ownership, set clear targets, and resist industry pressures, prioritising public health over economic interests.
Prevention and Health Promotion
Preventive measures and health promotion are central to reducing the NCD burden. This includes integrating health literacy into education, launching national awareness programs, and creating environments where healthy choices are normalised and accessible. Using a common methodology for implementing and assessing pilot projects can reduce the risk of failure and enable a thorough analysis of the results.
For this reason, all 142 JACARDI pilot projects follow a common structure and timeline, with working methods based on the concepts of ‘grassroots innovation’ and implementation science.
Creation of a Different Landscape for Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes in Europe Through JACARDI Joint Action
Scientific publications by JACARDI
In this post series we share the scientific publications directly linked to the JACARDI project. All publications featured in this series are authored or co-authored by JACARDI partners and reflect research and findings developed within the project framework.
We aim to showcase how evidence supports our joint mission to tackle cardiovascular diseases and diabetes across Europe.
Stay informed on how JACARDI turns evidence into action.
Authors: Jelka Zalatel, Farkaš Lainščak, Jerneja
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Cardiovascular disease, Europe, Interventions, Collaboration, Sustainability
Abstract:
The Joint Action on CARdiovascular diseases and DIabetes (JACARDI) aims to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in European countries, both at the individual and societal levels. The initiative covers the entire patient journey, from improving health literacy and awareness of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, travelling through primary prevention among high-risk populations and screenings, reaching people living with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, improving service pathways, self-management, and labour participation. The project involves 21 European countries, 76 partners and plans to implement 142 pilot interventions, ensuring diversity in terms of cultural backgrounds, public health priorities, and healthcare systems.
In Slovenia, interventions will be developed and tested to improve screening for diabetes through community involvement, the involvement of people with diabetes in education programmes in health centres, and the involvement of people with diabetes in a screening programme for diabetic retinopathy. A set of unified, comprehensive and integrated health education materials and approaches will be developed for both healthcare providers and patients referred to the outpatient cardiovascular rehabilitation programme. The effectiveness of the upgraded health education intervention will be tested in a randomized trial. Furthermore, Slovenian experts are involved in developing a harmonized implementation methodology across all 142 pilot interventions, including contextual analysis at the country and pilot levels, multidimensional assessment and evaluation.
JACARDI will enhance cross-national collaboration, maximizing the exploitation of lessons learned through a clear strategy, promoting the integration and sustainability of approaches to achieve high-level impact, including the implementation of effective interaction, cooperation and co-creation between science and policy.
Published in: Slovenian Journal of Public Health, Volume 63 (2024): Issue 3 (September 2024)
Tackling the challenge of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes across Europe: a joint action by more than 300 public health professionals
Scientific publications by JACARDI
In this post series we share the scientific publications directly linked to the JACARDI project. All publications featured in this series are authored or co-authored by JACARDI partners and reflect research and findings developed within the project framework.
We aim to showcase how evidence supports our joint mission to tackle cardiovascular diseases and diabetes across Europe.
Stay informed on how JACARDI turns evidence into action.
Authors: Benedetta Armocida, Beatrice Formenti, Marco Silano, Albert Aszalos, Hector Bueno, Mounia Elyamani, Ane Fullaondo Zabala, Matilde Leonardi, Jaana Lindstrom, Karolina Michalak, Bernardino Morillo, Michal Nowicki, Denis Opresnik, Luigi Palmieri, Roberta Papa, Markku Peltonen, Helena Safadi, Hanna Shchetynina, Natalia Skogberg, Hanna Tolonen, Edwin Wouters, Jelka Zaletel, Graziano Onder, on behalf of the JACARDI Consortium
Keywords: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, public health, EU4health
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes pose significant health challenges in Europe, affecting millions and burdening healthcare systems. The recent EU4Health Programme places reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD) at the forefront, through a Joint Action focused on CVD and diabetes (JACARDI, Joint Action on CARdiovascular diseases and DIabetes). This initiative unites 21 European countries, including Ukraine, and over 300 experts. Employing an innovative approach and standardised methodology, JACARDI implements 142 pilot projects covering the entire
“patient” journey. Particular focus will be given to improvement of data availability and quality. Additionally, JACARDI will emphasise transversal and intersectional aspects, such as health equity, determinants of health, and social, cultural, and ethnic diversity, while pioneering gender-transformative leadership. Committed to evidence-based interventions, JACARDI aims to harmonise strategies and disseminate knowledge for enhanced CVD and diabetes prevention and management. The goal is to identify effective strategies for wider implementation, fostering cross-national collaboration and fortifying Europe’s health resilience.