title: Treatment pathways and quality improvement for patients with acute myocardial infarction at a tertiary care center.
abstract: The timely diagnosis and treatment of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have become paramount to improving outcomes in this population. Many states, including North Carolina, have established systems to guide regional emergency providers in caring for STEMI. We describe the current pathway for diagnosis and treatment of STEMI for providers referring patients to Duke University Hospital, including a system for expedited patient transport and activation of the cardiac catheterization laboratory from a wide referral base. There is also a structured process for review of cases and quality improvement, which incorporates physicians, administrators, and emergency medical personnel.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA. benjamin.steinberg@duke.edu
authors.forename: Benjamin A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Steinberg
authors.forename: James G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Jollis
authors.forename: Annette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Winkler
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Granger
authors.forename: L Kristin
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Newby
mesh_terms: D019091:Critical Pathways; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D058996:Quality Improvement; D013997:Time Factors; D014218:Triage / Q000592:standards*