Final Activity Report Summary - EURO-CVD MODEL (Developing a European policy model for cardiovascular disease) This project aimed to strengthen the links between participating European countries to explain changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) in their own countries and compare policy options through the development of powerful computer-based models such as IMPACT, RIVM CDM DYNAMO and Prevent. A series of training courses took place in Poland, Ireland, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands with local organisers working closely with the organisers in Dublin and Liverpool. The topics covered have clear public health messages, which can easily be translated to the public. The European CVD epidemiology models are likely to have significant impact on the public understanding of CVD, which can be used together with each countries own initiative and strategies for preventing this largely preventable disease. Training was based on the proven principles of adult learning: focussed, structured, interactive and participative small group sessions involving brief lectures, workshops and practical hands-on computer sessions. The courses covered key themes including: (i) an introduction to CVD epidemiology, (ii) an introduction to models for CVD in Europe and elsewhere and (iii) practical sessions on these models. All course materials were provided to attendees including information on the epidemiology of CVD, the various epidemiology models described and data sources. In addition electronic datasheets with training models were provided to all attendees. Sixty eight young researchers from 19 different countries participated in the two training courses during 2007-2008. Most of the researchers were from European countries and with 5 attendees from China, Pakistan, Macedonia and Mongolia. The countries covered were from a broad range with different social and economic backgrounds. These included: Eastern Europe (Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Lithuania), Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Italy), Scandinavia (Sweden, Iceland, Denmark, Finland), Netherlands, Germany, UK and Ireland and France. Each course was evaluated, via three surveys, two immediately following the end of each training session and one 6 months subsequently. The evaluations were used to assess the content, format and delivery of the various events that took place. In addition further qualitative feedback was provided by attendees at the end of the course. The two training courses were a great success with all attendees satisfied or very satisfied (100%) with the courses, and all finding the courses useful or very useful (100%) both immediately and 6 months after the conclusion of the courses. The attendees demonstrated a good understanding of CVD epidemiology and the strengths and limitations of relevant policy models. Qualitative feedback included a suggestion to merge the three events for each course into one week, and encouraging attendees to present and discuss their own research projects/countries/policies. The attendees particularly liked the computer practical sessions which provided an opportunity to explore and use the models that had been previously developed, and which could be applied to their own countries. There were many opportunities for the attendees to discuss ideas with each other during the coffee and lunch breaks and during evenings spent exploring the various cities the events were held in. After each course an email exchange and website was set up for attendees to continue to keep in touch with one another. Publications of the courses were included in the Trinity Research Newsletter December 2007 and the University of Liverpool newsletter September 2007. Other outputs from the project included the drafting and submission of a grant proposal for EU Framework 7 funding by the faculty of the Marie Curie training programme, which was to provide further collaboration in developing cardiovascular disease modelling in Europe and elsewhere. The MEDCHAMPS project was successful in its funding bid and will start in early 2009. The Portuguese Heart Foundation funded a PhD scholarship to undertake the work on developing a CVD model for Portugal. Colleagues in Poland have obtained funding to undertake a CVD model.
