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A multidisciplinary approach to chest pain evaluation and management
1University of Maryland Medical Center, Division of Emergency Medicine, USA.
Maryland Medical Journal (Baltimore, Md. : 1985)
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Emergency departments efficiently rule out heart attacks but struggle with identifying acute cardiac ischemia (ACI) without infarction. A coordinated, multidisciplinary approach improves chest pain evaluation and reduces dangerous delays in diagnosing ACI.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Emergency departments effectively diagnose acute myocardial infarctions but have limitations in identifying acute cardiac ischemia (ACI) without infarction.
- Patients with ACI without infarction and those with infarction have similar short-term prognoses.
- Current follow-up for suspected ACI often involves repeat labwork and significant delays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to chest pain management.
- To reduce delays in the identification and management of patients with acute cardiac ischemia (ACI).
Main Methods:
- The study proposes a coordinated, early multidisciplinary approach for chest pain evaluation.
- This approach aims to streamline diagnostic processes and consultations.
Main Results:
- A coordinated approach enhances the efficiency of chest pain evaluation.
- This strategy is cost-effective and reduces potentially dangerous time delays in identifying ACI.
Conclusions:
- An early, multidisciplinary effort in chest pain management is efficient and cost-effective.
- Coordinated care significantly reduces delays in diagnosing acute cardiac ischemia (ACI), improving patient outcomes.