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An audit of acute coronary syndrome assessment (TIMI scoring) and treatment

An audit of acute coronary syndrome assessment (TIMI scoring) and treatment Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of an audit undertaken on the use of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) scoring system, and adherence to agreed treatment protocols, in the triage of patients with cardiac chest pain. Design/methodology/approach – A retrospective review of case notes. Sixty eight patients were audited on the use of TIMI score and 64 of these were further audited on the management commenced in the emergency department. Findings – Only nine of the 68 patients with cardiac chest pain had a TIMI score documented. Of the 64 patients, 31 analysed for treatment commenced were managed correctly, 33 patients ( n =64) were either under or over treated. Practical implications – Adherence to clinical guidelines should be subject to audit review to assess impact on patient outcomes. Over‐treatment included administration of unnecessary anticoagulants raising patient safety and cost issues. Under‐treatment left patients vulnerable to further cardiac events. Originality/value – This paper demonstrates the value of utilising audit data in quantifying adherence to clinical guidelines, thereby improving patient outcomes. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Clinical Governance An International Journal Emerald Publishing

An audit of acute coronary syndrome assessment (TIMI scoring) and treatment

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References (3)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2008 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1477-7274
DOI
10.1108/14777270810867339
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of an audit undertaken on the use of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) scoring system, and adherence to agreed treatment protocols, in the triage of patients with cardiac chest pain. Design/methodology/approach – A retrospective review of case notes. Sixty eight patients were audited on the use of TIMI score and 64 of these were further audited on the management commenced in the emergency department. Findings – Only nine of the 68 patients with cardiac chest pain had a TIMI score documented. Of the 64 patients, 31 analysed for treatment commenced were managed correctly, 33 patients ( n =64) were either under or over treated. Practical implications – Adherence to clinical guidelines should be subject to audit review to assess impact on patient outcomes. Over‐treatment included administration of unnecessary anticoagulants raising patient safety and cost issues. Under‐treatment left patients vulnerable to further cardiac events. Originality/value – This paper demonstrates the value of utilising audit data in quantifying adherence to clinical guidelines, thereby improving patient outcomes.

Journal

Clinical Governance An International Journal – Emerald Publishing

Published: Apr 25, 2008

Keywords: Auditing; Patients; Medical conditions; Medical treatment

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