METHODS: EPICOR Asia (NCT01361386) is a prospective study of hospital survivors post-ACS enrolled in 218 hospitals from 8 countries/regions in Asia (06/2011-05/2012). All medically managed NSTE-ACS patients were classified into 3 groups: 1) no coronary angiography (CAG-); 2) non-significant coronary artery disease (CAD) on angiogram (CAG+ CAD-); and 3) significant CAD (CAG+ CAD+). We compared baseline differences between patients medically managed and patients undergoing revascularization, and also between the medically managed groups. Adverse events were reported and compared up to 2years.
RESULTS: Of 6163 NSTE-ACS patients, 2272 (37%) were medically managed, with 1339 (59%), 254 (11%), and 679 (30%) in the CAG-, CAG+ CAD-, and CAG+ CAD+ groups, respectively. There were marked differences in the proportion of medically managed patients among the 8 countries/regions (13-81%). Medically managed patients had higher mortality at 2years compared with revascularization (8.7% vs. 3.0%, p<0.001). Among medically managed patients, CAG- patients were older, more likely to have pre-existing cardiovascular disease, and had the highest 2-year mortality (10.5% vs. 4.3% [CAG+ CAD-] and 6.6% [CAG+ CAD+], p<0.001). Mortality differences persisted after adjusting for other patient risk factors.
CONCLUSIONS: Medically managed NSTE-ACS patients are a heterogeneous group with different risk stratification and variable prognosis. Identification of reasons underlying different management strategies, and key factors adversely influencing long-term prognosis, may improve outcomes.
AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led health education programme on knowledge, attitude and beliefs of coronary patients towards the responses to acute coronary syndrome and the association with patients' characteristics.
METHODS: A single-group quasi-experimental design took place in a tertiary hospital. A total of 60 coronary patients were recruited to this study. The knowledge, attitude and beliefs towards acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were evaluated at baseline and after 1 month of giving education intervention.
RESULTS: Knowledge, attitude and beliefs about ACS increased significantly from baseline to 1 month after intervention. Level of attitude was associated with gender, educational level and employment status.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that an education program conducted by a nurse improved patients' level of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs in response to ACS symptoms at 1 month compared to baseline, but whether they are sustained for a longer period is unclear. Improving the responses towards ACS might reduce decision delay in symptom interpretation and seeking early treatment.
RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurse-led interventions have imparted positive outcomes in response to ACS symptoms among coronary patients. Therefore, nurses should take the initiative in educating patients to minimize delay in symptom interpretation and seeking early treatment.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate CRR and 2-year post-discharge mortality rate (2YMR) in NSTE-ACS.
METHODS: CRR and 2YMR were analyzed by hospital rate of CRR (in deciles), by country, and by world region in 11,931 patients with NSTE-ACS who survived to discharge and were enrolled in the EPICOR (long-tErm follow uP of antithrombotic management patterns In acute CORonary syndrome patients) and EPICOR Asia: twin multinational, observational, prospective cohort studies.
RESULTS: Significant differences in patient baseline characteristics, medical therapies, CRR, and 2YMR were found. Mean CRR ranged from 0.0% to 96.8% in the first and tenth decile, respectively (p
METHODS: We recruited 112 patients who were newly diagnosed with ACS and treated at the referral hospital, Sarawak General Hospital, Malaysia. In the intervention group (modified CRP), all medication was reviewed by the clinical pharmacists, focusing on drug indication; understanding of secondary prevention therapy and adherence to treatment strategy. We compared the "pre-post" quality of life (QoL) of three groups (intervention, conventional and control) at baseline, 6 months and 12 months post-discharge with Malaysian norms. QoL data was obtained using a validated version of Short-Form 36 Questionnaire (SF-36). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measure tests was used to compare the mean differences of scores over time.
RESULTS: A pre-post quasi-experimental non-equivalent group comparison design was applied to 112 patients who were followed up for one year. At baseline, the physical and mental health summaries reported poor outcomes in all three groups. However, these improved gradually but significantly over time. After the 6-month follow-up, the physical component summary reported in the modified CRP (MCRP) participants was higher, with a mean difference of 8.02 (p = 0.015) but worse in the mental component summary, with a mean difference of -4.13. At the 12-month follow-up, the MCRP participants performed better in their physical component (PCS) than those in the CCRP and control groups, with a mean difference of 11.46 (p = 0.008), 10.96 (p = 0.002) and 6.41 (p = 0.006) respectively. Comparing the changes over time for minimal important differences (MICD), the MCRP group showed better social functioning than the CCRP and control groups with mean differences of 20.53 (p = 0.03), 14.47 and 8.8, respectively. In role emotional subscales all three groups showed significant improvement in MCID with mean differences of 30.96 (p = 0.048), 31.58 (p = 0.022) and 37.04 (p