RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Home or hospital care for acute myocardial infarction? A survey of general practitioners' attitudes in the thrombolytic era.
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 323
OP 325
VO 40
IS 337
A1 Pell, A C
A1 Stuart, P C
A1 Stewart, M J
A1 Fraser, D M
YR 1990
UL http://bjgp.org/content/40/337/323.abstract
AB This study examines the issue of whether to give home or hospital care to patients with suspected myocardial infarction now that the value of thrombolytic therapy has been recognized. A questionnaire survey of 69 general practitioners showed that the majority were aware of the potential benefits of thrombolysis although few thought that these extended beyond six hours after the onset of symptoms. Most would opt for hospital care for patients under the age of 70 years, but would treat older patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarctions at home, depriving them of the opportunity to receive thrombolysis. The admission policies of general practitioners for patients with suspected myocardial infarction merit reappraisal so that thrombolysis can be considered for all patients up to 24 hours after the onset of symptoms.