A STEMI code protocol improves door-to-balloon time on weekdays and weekends

J Healthc Qual. 2009 Nov-Dec;31(6):35-43. doi: 10.1111/j.1945-1474.2009.00053.x.

Abstract

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has emerged as the standard of care for the management of ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI). Only 32% of patients with STEMI receive this procedure within the recommended 90 min for door-to-balloon time (DTB). We reviewed all STEMI cases that presented to our institution before and after the implementation of a STEMI Code protocol. Before the STEMI Code protocol, 27.1% of weekday cases and 6.3% of weekend cases were performed within 90 min. After the STEMI Code protocol, there was a threefold increase in the number of patients who received PCI within 90 min (p<.0001). A STEMI Code protocol dramatically improves DTB and equalizes disparities between weekday and weekend care.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary* / statistics & numerical data
  • Clinical Protocols*
  • Efficiency, Organizational
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Infarction / therapy*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors