Construction of a three-dimensional model of cardiovascular disease and deployment of a new method of fostering patient adherence to instruction

Abstract

Background: For the patient-oriented medical services, it is important to assist the patient in understanding the management of cardiovascular diseases. The strategy of medication instruction is particularly important to enhance medication adherence. Objective and methods: The original model was newly constructed and covers multiple factors, including those related to renin-angiotensin, metabolism of glucose and lipids, blood coagulation, and the organic basis of the disease. The four factors of cardiovascular diseases and their relationship with the disease state are expressed in the form of a tetrahedral model. Results and discussion: This disease model illustrates in points, lines, surfaces, and spaces that the factors combine with each other and result in a pathological condition, as determined by the degree of involvement of each factor in a discontinuous manner. The model helps cardiovascular patients to understand visually that there is more than one pathological condition. Our model allowed patients to quickly comprehend the complex pharmacotherapy of cardiovascular diseases by presenting the information in the form of a three-dimensional structure. Lifestyle-related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, involve complicated factors and require careful pharmacotherapy which is tailored to individual patient needs. In this regard, the development of instructional tools is particularly effective. Conclusion: The three-dimensional model shows optimum treatment by correctly considering both the quantity and quality of the four pathological factors associated with cardiovascular diseases. Appropriate patient compliance instruction based on life guidance is thought to be essential in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. © 2013 Nakano and Shirotake, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd.