Systematic review of interventions to reduce delay in patients with suspected heart attack.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aiming to reduce time from onset of signs and symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to seeking medical help/arrival at hospital.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted. Fifteen electronic databases, the internet, and bibliographies of included studies were searched, and experts in the field of cardiac care were contacted. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled trials, and before and after studies conducted in any setting that assessed an intervention aimed at reducing time from onset of signs and symptoms of an AMI to seeking medical help and/or arrival in hospital were eligible for inclusion.

Results

Eleven media/public education intervention studies met the inclusion criteria. Five (one

SUBMITTER: Kainth A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1726390 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature