[Ambulatory cardiology]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Healthcare Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Ambulatory cardiology care is crucial for managing cardiovascular diseases.
• Assessing the current capacity and efficiency of outpatient cardiology services is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reality of ambulatory cardiology care in the Virgen del Rosell, Cartagena region.
• To analyze patient demographics, disease prevalence, and resource allocation in outpatient cardiology clinics.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of patient visits in five outpatient cardiology clinics.
• Data collection on patient type, visit frequency, and time spent per patient.

Main Results:

• 51.1% of 9,312 patients had cardiologic conditions, with coronary heart disease being most prevalent.
• Average daily patient load was 21.4, with only 7 minutes and 30 seconds per patient.
• Increased patient affluence in winter led to less than 6 minutes per patient in some clinics.

Conclusions:

• Current ambulatory cardiology care is strained, with high patient numbers and insufficient time per patient.
• Recommendations include separating cardiology and pulmonology services, limiting patient numbers, and enhancing technical resources.