Effects of crowding in the emergency department on the diagnosis and management of suspected acute coronary syndrome using rapid algorithms: an observational study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Fast diagnostic algorithms using high-sensitivity troponin (hsTn) in suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are regarded as beneficial to expedite diagnosis and safe discharge of patients in crowded emergency departments (ED). This study investigates the effects of crowding on process times related to the diagnostic protocol itself or other time delays, and outcomes.

Design

Prospective single-centre observational study.

Setting

ED (Germany).

Participants

Final study population of 2525 consecutive patients with suspected ACS within 12 months, after exclusion of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, missing blood samples, referral from other hospitals or repeated visits.

Interventions

Use of fast algorithms as per 2015 European Soci

SUBMITTER: Stoyanov KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7545662 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature