A common indicator model for cardiovascular disease and diabetes monitoring in Europe

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are public health priorities in Europe. However, monitoring their burden, management and outcomes remains challenging due to fragmented data sources, heterogenous indicators definitions and inconsistent reporting practices. Within JACARDI, a Common Indicator Model (CIM) was developed to support the harmonisation of indicators for non-communicable disease monitoring.

Methods

the CIM is designed to compile, structure and prioritise indicators related to CVD and DM, focusing on data availability, quality, accessibility and exchange. It is based on a relational model and a multidimensional structure comprising several layers of classification. The key dimension was defined according to an indicator framework from the World Health Organization (WHO). The indicators were identified through a scoping review and classified into tiers by implementation priority, which will be established through a Delphi consensus process.

Results

the CIM is organised into three tools: 1) a conceptual framework for classifying and structuring indicators; 2) a standardised classification of their dimensions; and 3) a tiered catalogue, with technical specifications for implementation. The main dimension, or setting, integrates the OECD classification for policy indicators, the Marmot-WHO framework for social determinants of health (SDH), and the Donabedian model – structure, process and outcome – for healthcare system indicators. In addition, it incorporates SDH and comorbidities as stratification tools.

Conclusions

The JACARDI CIM can advance towards the harmonisation of the definition and analysis of cardiovascular health indicators in Europe. Its design will enable indicators in this field to be complied, compared and prioritised, while enhancing comparability across countries, supporting evidence-based decision-making and ultimately contributing to improved cardiovascular health in Europe.

Key messages

• The JACARDI Common Indicator Model supports harmonised monitoring of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus indicators across Europe.

• Its structured, tiered approach can improve indicator comparability, prioritisation and evidence-based decision-making.