[Quality assurance of secondary prevention of coronary artery disease. Ongoing project offers possibilities for improved treatment].
Regional programs for secondary prevention of coronary artery disease have been under development for nearly a decade in Sweden. To achieve maximum adherence these programs were created in close collaboration between hospital and primary care physicians. The programs are local applications of national guidelines and aim to support compliance among both patients and physicians. In January 1998 the Swedish Society of Cardiology and the Swedish Association of General Practice launched a program for quality control and quality assurance of these initiatives. So far, 51 of 79 districts have joined the program. Patients' diaries used for risk factor registration contain 7 report cards on the management of risk factors and medication. These cards are sent to a central registry upon release from the hospital, after 3-6 months, and annually for 5 years. Results from the first year point to differences between the various districts with respect to compliance with both local programs and European guidelines. Overall, results are promising and indicate that this program is successful and leads to improved management of patients with coronary artery disease.
Brandström
H
H
Kardiologiska kliniken, Universitetssjukhuset MAS, Malmö.
Erhardt
L
L
Hedbäck
B
B
Israelsson
B
B
Lingfors
H
H
Nilsson
P
P
Sjöberg
G
G
D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008019:Life Style; D008499:Medical Records; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012041:Regional Medical Programs / Q000592:standards*; D012042:Registries; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden