title: Networks for improving care in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A framework.
abstract: In recent years, it has become evident that the level of guideline adherence in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is highly correlated with patient outcomes. Unfortunately, guideline adherence is low in some geographic areas and especially in those patients at high-risk. Regional networks including ambulance systems and hospitals with catheterization laboratories are able to increase guideline adherence and patient outcomes by streamlining the critical pre- and intra-hospital processes as well as improving timely access to invasive procedures and recommended medication. Successful organization of an ACS network requires engagement of multiple stakeholders to create effective solutions for the specific local setting. There is no 'one-size-fits all' strategy to set-up and successfully run an ACS network. We present a framework for how to set up and organize an effective ACS network, delivering guideline-based care to improve patient outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Innere Medizin, Schön Klinik Neustadt , Neustadt i.H. , Germany.
authors.forename: Peter W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Radke
authors.forename: Sigrun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Halvorsen
authors.forename: J Wouter
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Jukema
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kolh
authors.forename: Lieven
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Annemans
authors.forename: Maarten J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Postma
authors.forename: Diego
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ardissino
authors.forename: Steen D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Kristensen
authors.forename: Jean-Pierre
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Bassand
authors.forename: Jean-Philippe
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Collet
authors.forename: João
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Morais
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tuñón
authors.forename: Julian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Halcox
mesh_terms: D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D001317:Austria; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards*; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D008910:Minnesota; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000628:therapy; D009426:Netherlands; D009657:North Carolina; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome