Document Detail


Influence of a critical path management tool in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Clinical Quality Improvement Network Investigators.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  10185975     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of implementing a critical path on use of proven efficacious therapies and outcomes in patients admitted to a hospital with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The secondary objectives were to evaluate the use of unproven medications and to develop an understanding of the factors associated with adverse in-hospital outcomes in these patients. STUDY DESIGN: A nonrandomized before-after study design was used to evaluate the efficacy of a critical path instrument in patients admitted to hospital with AMI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients admitted with AMI in nine participating hospitals were enrolled in the study. The critical path instrument consisted of a locally developed, preprinted physician order form. Practice patterns were determined before (n = 2305) and after (n = 2349) implementation of the critical path by primary chart review. Multivariate analysis of risk factors for mortality was performed on a combined database of 6088 AMI patients. RESULTS: The use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), nitrates, and beta blockers increased significantly by 3%, 2%, and 9%, respectively, after implementation of the critical path. Use of thrombolytics remained stable at 41%, and calcium channel blocker use decreased significantly by 8%. In-hospital mortality decreased by 1%. There was less use of ASA, nitrates, beta blockers, and thrombolytic therapy in women and the elderly. Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age was associated with increased mortality risk, whereas ASA, beta blockers, nitrates, and calcium channel blockers were associated with reduced mortality risk. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a critical path resulted in increased use of proven efficacious therapies, reduced use of noneffective therapy, and a trend toward reduced mortality.
Authors:
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Clinical Trial; Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  The American journal of managed care     Volume:  4     ISSN:  1088-0224     ISO Abbreviation:  Am J Manag Care     Publication Date:  1998 Sep 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  1998-12-03     Completed Date:  1998-12-03     Revised Date:  2005-07-26    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9613960     Medline TA:  Am J Manag Care     Country:  UNITED STATES    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1243-51     Citation Subset:  H    
Affiliation:
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
Aged
Aspirin / therapeutic use
Canada
Critical Pathways*
Female
Humans
Male
Multivariate Analysis
Myocardial Infarction / drug therapy,  therapy*
Nitrates / therapeutic use
Outcome Assessment (Health Care)
Patient Selection
Risk Factors
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; 0/Nitrates; 50-78-2/Aspirin

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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