The effectiveness of training schemes in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome at health centers

A preliminary evaluation of the impact of a training program on pre-hospitalization care of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A cross-sectional study. Lleida Health Service area. A total of 661 ACS cases were observed in the Intensive Medical Care Unit from January 1st 2002 to December 31st 2004. A training program for primary health care medical staff on the pre-hospitalization management of ACS from July 2003 to December 2006 in 29 health care centers was conducted. MAIN ENDPOINTS OF INTEREST: The evolution of 5 pre-hospitalization interventions, (acetylsalicylic acid, nitroglycerine, electrocardiogram, intravenous tube and intravenous morphine) throughout the study period was measured. It was noted during the study that those centers in which training programs were held had a clear increase in the use of the 5 pre-hospitalization interventions. Insertion of an intravenous line, administration of intravenous morphine and administration of acetylsalicylic acid were all observed to have multiplied their use 10, 8 and 3 times, respectively. A training scheme for general practitioners (GP) is essential to ensure appropriate care of patients with this condition.