Excellence in Communications via a Live Event or Stand-Alone Activity

Summary of work

‘Act on PAH – Improve patient outcomes with early diagnosis’ was a live, interactive, educational meeting focused on reducing time to diagnosis of patients with suspected pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare, rapidly progressive, life-limiting condition.

The meeting was developed in partnership with:

• The seven adult UK specialist pulmonary hypertension centres – a first collaboration of this kind
• The patient organisation, Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK (PHA UK).

‘Act on PAH’ was developed, with input from PAH experts, for non-PH specialist physicians, nurses and those health professionals involved in echo. The objectives were to increase the awareness and understanding of PAH, and equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to identify and refer patients with suspected PAH earlier; resulting in earlier diagnosis, treatment and improved patient outcomes.

The dynamic programme of interactive workshops and plenary sessions, delivered through varying styles, maximised audience interaction and motivated delegates to ‘Act on’ their learnings to implement immediate changes in referral behaviour and share their knowledge with colleagues. Patient and caregiver involvement ensured an emotive and inspiring experience throughout.

This flagship event forms part of a wider ‘Act on PAH’ campaign to reduce time to diagnosis and ultimately improve outcomes for patients with PAH.

Judges' comments

This impressive entry was well-thought out, detailing an event that brought together stakeholders to define and drive awareness of PAH by non-specialists. There is clear evidence that this initiative made a difference to PAH diagnosis and clinical practice.