Bridging Communication Gaps in Cardiology: Toward a National Consultation Platform
Bridging Communication Gaps in Cardiology: Toward a National Consultation Platform
1. Background
Healthcare systems continue to suffer from communication gaps between:
1. Specialists themselves (including cardiologists).
2. General practitioners (GPs) and subspecialists.
3. Medical associations and the public health system.
2. Documented International Models
1. eConsult Referral Model (Canada)
• GPs submit patient cases electronically to specialists.
• Approximately 5.5% of referrals were managed as “advice-only,” avoiding in-person visits.
• Over 80% of GPs found the advice clear, useful, and actionable  .
• Supported in the Canadian health system, especially in cardiovascular care.
• Peer-reviewed evidence in BMC Health Services Research (2025).
2. Peer-to-Peer Blind Consultation Model
• Specialists submit cases anonymously; peers respond confidentially.
• Encourages unbiased, open discussion and reduces hierarchical barriers.
• Reports indicate up to two-thirds of physicians altered management decisions after peer feedback.
• Practiced in professional platforms like Sermo (global physician network).
3. Telemedicine & Telestroke Model (Japan / Asia-Pacific region)
• Japan pioneered telestroke networks with standardized protocols.
• Proven effective in time-sensitive cardiovascular and neurovascular care.
• Demonstrates feasibility for society-led, national digital consultation platforms.
• Exemplifies how APSC member societies can steer healthcare innovation.
3. Discussion
1. The eConsult model bridges GPs with subspecialists efficiently.
2. The peer-to-peer blind model enhances peer dialogue and reduces bias.
3. The APSC-led telemedicine model shows that academic societies can lead scalable digital intervention.
4. A hybrid platform, led by national societies and aligned with APSC, can combine these strengths for cardiology.
4. Conclusion
1. National consultation platforms can bridge critical communication gaps.
2. They strengthen evidence-based practice and equitable access.
3. They actively position medical societies at the heart of healthcare delivery.
4. This model is scalable for Asia-Pacific and other regions.
References:
1. Feasibility of eConsult in Canada. BMC Health Services Research, 2025.
2. Telemedicine 3.0: The Real Anywhere and Anytime. Takao H, et al. JNET, 2025.
http://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12141459
3. Sermo – Global Physician Peer-to-Peer Consultation Platform.
