Ambulance use in acute coronary syndrome in Ireland: A cross-sectional study

Mary Mooney, Frances O'Brien, Gabrielle McKee, Sharon O'Donnell, Debra Moser

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: As myocardial salvage is time dependent, prompt emergency department attendance is imperative in the presence of unresolved acute coronary syndrome symptoms. Although ambulance use is the recommended mode of transport during an acute coronary syndrome event, people regularly have misperceptions about its role. Consequently, many fail to use this service when warranted. Aim: To evaluate factors associated with ambulance usage among patients admitted to emergency departments with acute coronary syndrome symptoms in Ireland. Methods: Patients (N=1947) diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome were recruited across five hospitals. The ACS Response Index was used to identify mode of transport to access the emergency department, symptom context and experience and the rationale for non-ambulance use. Using logistic regression, predictors of ambulance use were identified. Results: Only 40.1% of the sample used an ambulance. The primary reason for non-ambulance use was the perception that it was unwarranted (31%). A further 23.8% thought another mode of transportation would be faster. Independent predictors of ambulance usage differed among the three sub-diagnoses of acute coronary syndrome. For each group, visiting the general practitioner with symptoms was associated with a greater likelihood of not using an ambulance. Conclusion: The use of ambulance services is not positively embraced by the public. Furthermore, it appears that general practitioners may not always promote its use, particularly in the early stages of acute coronary syndrome symptom onset. The findings from our study suggest that a public education drive is necessary to promote ambulance usage during an acute coronary syndrome event.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)345-354
Number of pages10
JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
Volume15
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2016

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© European Society of Cardiology.

Keywords

  • Acute coronary syndrome
  • ambulance
  • cross-sectional study
  • emergency medical services
  • public awareness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Medical–Surgical
  • Advanced and Specialized Nursing

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