Moving from evidence to practice in the care of patients who have acute coronary syndrome

Both acute management and secondary prevention for patients presenting with the spectrum of ACS have evolved greatly during the last decade, as evidenced by the multitude of clinical trials and the development of CPGs. The goal of the next decade is to ensure the accurate, equal, and timely application of these therapies and management strategies in clinical practice. In the emergency department, initiation of guideline-based management is especially challenging given the dynamic process of risk stratification that must take place to ensure properly directed care. It is clear, however, that application of such therapies leads to improved outcomes. Lessons learned from previous and ongoing quality improvement initiatives will provide the tools needed to ensure that widespread adoption of guideline-based therapy is complete.