An Innovative Model for Managing Chest Pain Presentations

Sydney South West Area Health Service

Abstract

In May 2006, the Liverpool Cardiology Department introduced a new nursing position known as the Cardiac Liaison Nurse (CLN). One of the primary functions of this position was to facilitate early access to exercise stress testing (EST), 7 days per week, for appropriate patients who present to the Emergency Department (ED) with chest pain. This occurred together with the introduction of an ED Chest Pain Pathway and the establishment of a Chest Pain Evaluation Area (CPEA). Prior to this model, these patients needed admission to the CCU to await an inpatient EST often contributing to both ED access block and delayed discharge from the CCU. Up to April 30th 2007, the CLNs conducted 476 stress tests on patients in the CPEA. Of these, 400 patients (84%) were discharged directly from the CPEA, with outpatient follow-up, negating the need for an inpatient bed.

This project was entered in the 2007 NSW Health Awards, Better Experiences for People using Health Services category.

The full entry document can be downloaded in the formats listed below:

Download the Presentation ( pdf - 212 KB) from the 2007 NSW Health Expo

Contact

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Executive Office
Sydney South West Area Health Service
Phone: 02 9515 9339

Date created: 29th Aug 2007 | Date reviewed: 14th Jan 2010