Establishment of a Centralised Decision Support Service for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome in Rural NSW Hospitals

Abstract

Rapid identification and treatment of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is critical for survival and reduction of morbidity. Significant gains have been made utilising pre-hospital ECG transmission platforms, however one third of patients presenting to hospital with STEMI do not receive reperfusion therapy. Local research has identified that missed acute myocardial infarction is common, leads to increased mortality and morbidity, and is overrepresented in rural hospitals.