Successful collaborative model for STEMI care between a STEMI-referral and a STEMI receiving center

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Emergency Medicine
• Healthcare Systems

Background:

• ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires rapid reperfusion.
• Hospitals without catheterization labs need STEMI receiving center (SRC) partnerships.
• STEMI systems of care aim to improve rapid reperfusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the experience and benefits of a STEMI transfer relationship.
• To improve door-to-balloon (D2B) times for STEMI patients.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a formal transfer agreement.

Main Methods:

• A partnership was formed between Saint Anthony Hospital (SAH) and Rush University Medical Center (RUMC).
• A STEMI transfer agreement was established, including patient follow-up protocols and ambulance contracts.
• A standardized STEMI protocol was adopted for inter-institutional transfers.

Main Results:

• Prior to the partnership, STEMI transfers had longer delays and unrecorded D2B times.
• After the protocol, 44 patients were transferred for PCI.
• Median D1-to-D2 time was 52 minutes, and median Door1-to-Balloon (D12B) time was 86 minutes.

Conclusions:

• Transfer programs between STEMI-referring hospitals and SRCs can significantly reduce reperfusion times.
• This collaborative approach achieves D12B times comparable to or better than non-transfer patients at SRCs.
• Streamlining STEMI patient care is crucial for reducing D2B times and improving outcomes.