The role of nurses in a chest pain unit.
The chest pain unit (CPU) provides a service for patients at moderate-to-low risk for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Although the number of CPUs has continued to grow worldwide, little has been written on the specific role and contribution of nursing in CPUs. The stay of patients in the CPU can be divided into six stages: triage, diagnosis, treatment, observation/monitoring, discharge, and follow-up. CPU nurses are in a unique position to promote evidence-based practice during all of these stages. Deeper insight into the unique role of nurses in CPUs will promote understanding of what type of knowledge, skills, and attitudes are required to provide the services that will contribute to improved quality of care for chest pain patients.
Siebens
Kaat
K
Cardiology Department, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium. kaat.siebens@uza.be
Moons
Philip
P
De Geest
Sabina
S
Miljoen
Hielko
H
Drew
Barbara J
BJ
Vrints
Christiaan
C
D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D000359:Aftercare / Q000458:organization & administration; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000209:etiology; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003325:Coronary Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000451:nursing; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000451:nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009736:Nursing Process / Q000458:organization & administration; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010351:Patient Discharge; D012307:Risk Factors; D014218:Triage