2022 Quality Summit ePosters (Non-CE) - CathPCI Registry-11. Adapting ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Care at a Community Hospital During a Pandemic

11. Adapting ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Care at a Community Hospital During a Pandemic

Pdf Summary

The study aimed to determine if identifying hemodynamically stable ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients reduced the utilization of ICU beds during a pandemic. Six articles were analyzed using the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice model. Quarterly reports were reviewed, and a Cardiac Collaborative Committee assessed key metrics. The study found that during a two-year period, 179 patients did not utilize ICU beds, resulting in cost savings of $1,397 per night per patient. Additionally, the length of stay (LOS) decreased from 49 hours to 41 hours. Patients with low-risk features were admitted to non-ICU beds, and this initiative became the standard practice. The early discharge process was enhanced without adverse outcomes, which is significant during a pandemic with limited bed allocation. The implementation plan included a triage algorithm based on appropriate risk stratification and allocation of STEMI patients post-procedure, focusing on hemodynamic stability. The success of the plan was measured by STEMI patients placed on telemetry units being discharged without complications or the need for ICU beds. The study concluded that hemodynamically stable STEMI patients can be identified for non-ICU admission and early discharge without adverse impact on outcomes, although barriers to this practice exist due to provider preference for managing STEMI patients in the ICU setting. Overall, the study demonstrated the benefits of adapting STEMI care and reducing ICU bed utilization, leading to cost savings and decreased LOS during the pandemic.

Keywords

hemodynamically stable STEMI patients

ICU beds utilization

pandemic

cost savings

length of stay

early discharge process

bed allocation

risk stratification

complications

STEMI care