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A quality control programme for acute myocardial infarction management in out-of-hospital critical care medicine

Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Beaujon University Hospital, Clichy, France

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr Francois-Xavier Duchateau
Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Beaujon University Hospital, 100 Bd du Général Leclerc, 92110 Clichy, France; fxduchateau{at}wanadoo.fr

ABSTRACT
This study, conducted over two time periods, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the diffusion of data, implementation of correctives measures and updated protocols in reducing time to reperfusion in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) management in the out-of-hospital setting. Mean (SD) time to hospital admission and to arterial puncture improved (58 (13) vs 67 (18) min, p = 0.03; and 82 (16) vs 95 (29) min, p = 0.02). The study, performed according to quality control programme methodology, showed that the chronology of AMI management could be improved by appropriate interventions and monitoring of intervention times.

Abbreviations: AMI, acute myocardial infarction; ECG, electrocardiogram; EMS, emergency medical services; MICU, mobile intensive care units