Applying an ECG database to aid decision-making in the A&E.
Accident and Emergency departments are increasingly playing a significant role in the management of acutely ill patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction. In particular, the shift towards A&E thrombolysis is helping reduce's door to needle' times. Whereas many of these patients have classic symptoms associated with obviously diagnostic ECGs, others may present diagnostic difficulties. This can be particularly true of the patient's ECG. This paper describes how an ECG database may be able to aid decision-making within the A&E department as it enables quick access to many patients' previous ECGs. In equivocal cases this can allow comparison and may determine whether or not certain changes are old or new. This information may be very useful in determining the patient's immediate management.
Gamon
R
R
Heart Care Unit, Hope Hospital, Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8 HD UK. RGamon@hope.srht.nwest.nhs.uk
Cooper
A
A
D016208:Databases, Factual; D003657:Decision Making; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy