FURTHER IMPLICATIONS. The trends of increasing costs per patient bring to light several concerning issues regarding public health interventions, and their failure to address CVDs in an efficient manner. With results of this study indicating that the costs of clinical trials for chronic CVD conditions are over $32,000 per patient, it is paramount that the further research address chronic heart disease for both economic and health reasons. From a health perspective, a major goal of research funding includes striving to prolong health and creating tangible benefits for patients. Major roadblocks in the dynamic between basic science research, clinical research, and improved patient health often prevent effectiveness and the smooth translation of new knowledge to treatment and clinical practice (Sung, 2003). Continuing clinical research is critical to patient health, especially patients with CVDs. For example, one study found that patients receiving treatment for acute coronary syndromes demonstrated higher compliance and lower mortality rates when treated in settings that actively conducted acute coronary syndrome clinical trials regardless of whether they were involved in the trials (Majumdar et al., 2008). Clinical trials also have import functions in assessing the role of costly technological and complex interventions (Xxxxxxxxxxxx et al., 2011). Results from this study suggest that costs per patient are increasing. As costs per patient are increasing, it is possible that these cost trends could negatively impact patient treatment and medical care costs. Consequently, questions arise as to what factors that could influence cost changes, whether the current field of clinical research is sufficient at converting research dollars into health care savings and improving patient health as an end goal of clinical testing, and what can be done to address these concerns as they relate to patient care. Xxxxxx et al. argue that regardless of clinical research and decreases in disease mortality over time, prevalence, cost, and rates of disability related to CVDs in the Unites States are predicted to spike due to an increasingly aging population and rising rates of obesity and diabetes (2013). Specifically, these patterns could occur if the costs of obesity, diabetes, and age outweigh the benefits of recent smoking cessation trends and increased statin and antihypertensive treatment. (Xxxxxx et al., 2013). Despite this, an unaccounted for, but potentially modifying propensity in this balance...
FURTHER IMPLICATIONS. No further environmental implications are anticipated with the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures.
