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Reperfusion Therapy Optimization in Acute Myocardial Infarction with ST-Segment Elevation using WhatsApp®-Based
Alessandra Batista Teixeira1, Leonardo Fiaschi Zancaner1, Fernando Fonseca de França Ribeiro2
1Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto - Divisão de Medicina de Emergência do Departamento de Clínica Médica,Ribeirão Preto, SP - Brasil.
Insights
WhatsApp® telemedicine significantly increased reperfusion therapy for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients in Brazil. This innovation also reduced in-hospital mortality rates, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Telemedicine
- Public Health
Background:
- ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) affects numerous patients in Brazil.
- A significant percentage of STEMI patients do not receive timely reperfusion therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a WhatsApp®-based telemedicine network on reperfusion therapy rates.
- To assess changes in in-hospital mortality following telemedicine implementation for STEMI patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study compared outcomes before and after implementing a telemedicine network using WhatsApp® for STEMI patient ECG transmission.
- Data from 25 municipalities were analyzed, comparing 82 patients pre-implementation (2016-2018) with 196 post-implementation (2018-2020).
Main Results:
- Reperfusion therapy rates increased significantly from 60% to 92% (RR: 1.594, p < 0.0001).
- In-hospital mortality decreased from 13.4% to 5.6% (RR: 0.418, p = 0.028).
Conclusions:
- WhatsApp®-based telemedicine is effective in increasing reperfusion therapy for STEMI patients.
- The implemented telemedicine network led to a significant reduction in STEMI patient mortality.
Background:
About 40% of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Brazil do not receive reperfusion therapy.
Objective:
The use of a telemedicine network based on WhatsApp® could increase the percentage of patients receiving reperfusion therapy.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study analyzed outcomes before and after the organization of a telemedicine network to send the electrocardiogram via WhatsApp® of patients suspected of STEMI from 25 municipalities that are members of the Regional Health Department of Ribeirão Preto (DRS-XIII) to a tertiary hospital, which could authorize immediate patient transfer using the same system. The analyzed outcomes included the percentage of patients who received reperfusion therapy and the in-hospital mortality rate. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
The study compared 82 patients before (February 1, 2016 to January 31, 2018) with 196 patients after this network implementation (February 1, 2018 to January 31, 2020). After implementing this network, there was a significant increase in the proportion of patients who received reperfusion therapy (60% vs. 92%), relative risk (RR): 1.594 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.331 - 1.909], p < 0.0001 and decrease in the in-hospital mortality rate (13.4% vs. 5.6%), RR: 0.418 [95%CI 0.189 - 0.927], p = 0.028.
Conclusion:
The use of WhatsApp®-based telemedicine has led to an increase in the percentage of patients with STEMI who received reperfusion therapy and a decrease in the in-hospital mortality rate.
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