Improving door-to-balloon times in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction: the value of an audit-driven quality initiative.
- Author:
Rabind A CHARLES
1
;
Shiou Liang WEE
;
Bernard W K KWOK
;
Caren TAN
;
Swee Han LIM
;
Venkataraman ANANTHARAMAN
;
Wasantha HEMANTHAKUMARI
;
Terrance S J CHUA
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; Emergency Service, Hospital; statistics & numerical data; utilization; Health Care Surveys; Humans; Medical Audit; Myocardial Infarction; physiopathology; therapy; Pilot Projects; Program Development; Quality Indicators, Health Care; Quality of Health Care; Singapore; Time Factors; Triage
- From:Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2008;37(7):568-572
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
INTRODUCTIONThe study was designed to reduce door-to-balloon times in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for patients presenting to the Emergency Department with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction, using an audit as a quality initiative.
MATERIALS AND METHODSA multidisciplinary work group performed a pilot study over 3 months, then implemented various process and work-flow strategies to improve overall door-to-balloon times.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONWe developed a guideline-based, institution-specific written protocol for triaging and managing patients who present to the Emergency Department with symptoms suggestive of STEMI, resulting in shortened median door-to-balloon times from 130.5 to 109.5 minutes (P<0.001).
