The 4WARD Coalition™ Launches AFib4WARD.com to Encourage Shared Decision Making Between AFib Patients and Healthcare Providers

RIDGEFIELD, Conn., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the 4WARD Coalition launched AFib4WARD.com, an online tool designed to help non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients and their Healthcare Providers engage in informed discussions and shared decision making, a collaborative process that takes into account the patient's personal health factors and preferences. The new web-based tool includes resources to help promote a two-way conversation, empowering patients to be more informed, active decision makers in their treatment plans.

AFib4WARD.com was developed following the success of the 4WARD Conversation Cards, a tool developed after the Coalition identified the need for shared decision making resources in the AFib community. Since its launch this past November, the Conversation Cards have been tested with Healthcare Providers across the country, with an overwhelming majority reporting the cards helped their AFib patients better understand their condition. Both the print and online versions of the cards are part of a broader initiative by the 4WARD Coalition, a multi-disciplinary collaboration of experts dedicated to improving the quality and consistency of care for patients needing anticoagulation treatment.

"With knowledge and insights from various care settings, the 4WARD Coalition is well aware of the challenges in navigating an AFib diagnosis and the various treatment options. Through the successful introduction of the 4WARD Conversation Cards and recent launch of AFib4WARD.com, we are excited to further our mission of advancing shared decision making in anticoagulation care," said 4WARD co-chairs J. Donald Easton, M.D., Clinical Professor of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, and Christian T. Ruff, M.D., M.P.H., Associate Physician, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

The new online version of the Conversation Cards will be officially unveiled at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2016 65th Annual Scientific Session & Expo and can be accessed online at www.AFib4WARD.com.

"Boehringer Ingelheim launched the 4WARD Coalition with the vision of identifying and addressing unmet patient needs in anticoagulation care," said Paul Fonteyne, president and chief executive officer, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "We are thrilled with what the 4WARD Coalition has accomplished in under a year since its launch, and look forward to continuing our support of the Coalition as it develops and brings these much needed resources to patients and physicians."

About the 4WARD Coalition
The 4WARD Coalition is a multi-disciplinary collaboration of experts launched by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 2015, dedicated to improving quality and consistency of care for patients needing anticoagulation treatment. 4WARD brings together experts across various disciplines to pursue innovative solutions and bridge unmet needs in anticoagulation care. The coalition is co-chaired by J. Donald Easton, M.D., Clinical Professor of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco and Christian T. Ruff, M.D. M.P.H., Associate Physician, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

About Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Ridgefield, CT, is the largest U.S. subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation.

Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, the company operates globally with 146 affiliates and more than 47,000 employees. Since its founding in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel treatments for human and veterinary medicine.

Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to improving lives and providing valuable services and support to patients and families. Our employees create and engage in programs that strengthen our communities. To learn more about how we make more health for more people, visit our Corporate Social Responsibility Report.

In 2014, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about $16.96 billion dollars (13.3 billion euros). R&D expenditure corresponds to 19.9 percent of its net sales.

For more information please visit www.us.boehringer-ingelheim.com, or follow us on Twitter @BoehringerUS.

SOURCE Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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