[Use of mobile coronary care unit by patients with myocardial infarction]

140 consecutive patients with MI, all those admitted during 1 month to 3 general hospitals in Haifa, were interviewed and their records reviewed. Only 17.3% had been transferred by a mobile coronary care unit (MCCU). The rates of utilization were lower among residents of the Mount Carmel area and among those hospitalized in Carmel Hospital. Those of European origin used MCCU less than those of Asian-African origin. The rate of usage was inversely related to the level of education. Multivariate analysis showed that the continent of origin explained the largest proportion of the variance. Age of patient and day of week were not of significance. Patients who had had a previous coronary event used the MCCU more than those had not. Only 13% referred to hospitals by physicians in the community were transferred by MCCU, in contrast to 33% of those referred by Magen David Adom stations. 67% of the patients had prior knowledge of the MCCU, but this was not associated with rate of usage. We conclude that the use of the MCCU in the Haifa area is not consistent with its original objectives. The reasons are both patient- and service-related.