Standardising care for heart attack (STEMI) patients, Ireland

Under a reform agenda, the Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland initiated the National Clinical Programme for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) in 2010, as a joint venture with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI). Early attention was focussed on treatment of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) as treatment varied nationally depending on distance from a Cardiac centre offering 24/7 primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) (direct clot removal), a more effective treatment with less complications but requiring specialised facilities compared with thrombolysis (clot dissolving drug treatment) available in all general hospitals.The aim of the programme was to save lives by standardising the care of patients with STEMI nationally through implementing a national Optimal Reperfusion Service (ORS) protocol.Following development and consultation 2011-2012, the protocol was implemented nationally in 2013, ensuring that:1. All acute services were aware of the ORS protocol, (early detection of suspected STEMI patients, rapid transfer within 90 minutes drivetime to nearest PPCI centre)2. Ambulances were equipped and paramedics trained (to undertake 12 –lead ECG, recognise STEMI, transmit ECG, communicate directly with cardiology staff (Code STEMI) and transport the patient rapidly to the Catheter Lab in PPCI centre thus bypassing local hospitals and emergency departments.3. Primary PCI centre hospitals were designated based on criteria: a) two...
Source: International Journal of Integrated Care - Category: Nursing Source Type: research