2022 Quality Summit ePosters (Non-CE) - Chest Pain Center Accreditation-5. STEMI Cancelation Rate: What the Squiggle Is Going On?

5. STEMI Cancelation Rate: What the Squiggle Is Going On?

Pdf Summary

The implementation of Pulsara, a mobile app that allows for communication between emergency medical services (EMS), the emergency department (ED), cath lab, and cardiologists, has resulted in several positive outcomes. Prior to implementing Pulsara, the high cancelation rate of cardiac alerts related to ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) was causing burnout among the cath lab team and providers, leading to increased costs for the Cardiovascular Service Line. <br /><br />With the use of Pulsara, EMS can activate a STEMI alert from the field, allowing for two-way communication with all relevant parties. This has improved collaboration among EMS partners, educators, medical directors, and interventional cardiologists. Door-to-balloon times have been maintained at an average of 45 minutes while implementing interventions related to STEMI cancelations.<br /><br />The team has identified the discrepancies between the Pulsara cancelation rate and the cancelation rate in the Chest Pain Center Accreditation database. It was found that EMS had a higher cancelation rate (46%) compared to the ED (26%). The team also identified issues with ECG interpretation, outdated EMS criteria for STEMI identification, and the need for education for EMS and hospital clinical staff.<br /><br />To address these issues, a monthly education program called "What the Squiggle?" was implemented, where a cardiologist reviews and presents STEMI alerts, allowing for open discussions among participants. This has led to increased participation from EMS, nurses, and providers.<br /><br />Overall, the implementation of Pulsara and the educational program has resulted in decreased waste, decreased staff turnover ratio, improved patient outcomes, and increased collaboration and education among healthcare providers and EMS. The Cath Lab staff resignation rate has significantly decreased, and participation in the education program has increased. These initiatives have not only saved costs but also improved the overall quality of care provided.

Keywords

Pulsara

communication

emergency medical services

STEMI

cancelation rate

collaboration

education program

ECG interpretation

healthcare providers

quality of care