Development of acute chest pain services in the UK.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In 2001, a survey of emergency departments in the UK showed wide variation in the management of acute undifferentiated chest pain. There has since been substantial development of chest pain services and research into chest pain units (CPUs).

Aim

To determine whether practice had changed in 2006.

Methods

All emergency departments in the UK were surveyed by postal questionnaire to the lead clinician or first named consultant.

Results

Responses were received from 192 of 253 (76%) departments. 25 (10%) stated they had a CPU, although 8 (32%) of these were set up in trials. Many CPUs provided care that was similar to that provided by hospitals without a CPU, with 76% using 10-12 h troponin and 29% only providing delayed access to exercise tolerance testin

SUBMITTER: Cross E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2658179 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature