title: Management of non ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome patients in New Zealand: a longitudinal analysis. Results from the New Zealand Acute Coronary Syndrome national audits of 2002, 2007 and 2012.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The first New Zealand Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) national audit of 2002 was a collaborative effort between clinicians and nurses, and demonstrated important limitations to Non ST-elevation ACS patient (NSTEACS) care. A momentum for change was created. Subsequent audits in 2007 and 2012 allow assessment over time.
  
  
  METHODS
  Over 14 days in May 2002, 2007 and 2012, patients with suspected ACS admitted to a hospital in New Zealand were audited. 'Definite' ACS was determined at discharge, after in-hospital investigations; we reviewed NSTEACS patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From 2002, more patients underwent assessment of left ventricular function (echocardiogram) and coronary angiography. Evidence-based in-hospital medical treatments and revascularisation have also increased over the decade.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Over a ten-year period, evidence-based care for patients presenting with a NSTEACS event in New Zealand has improved. However, considerable room remains to optimise management, particularly with development of systems of care to facilitate prompt referral and delivery of angiography in these high-risk individuals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton. GerryD@heartfoundation.org.nz.
authors.forename: Gerry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Devlin
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: Harvey Douglas
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: French
authors.forename: Greg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gamble
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Matsis
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Troughton
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ellis
mesh_terms: D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D054869:Clinical Audit; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D010343:Patient Admission; D062645:Percutaneous Coronary Intervention / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors