Reducing Delay in Seeking Treatment by Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome and Stroke: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular Nursing and Stroke Council*

Debra K. Moser, Laura P. Kimble, Mark J. Alberts, Angelo Alonzo, Janet B. Croft, Kathleen Dracup, Kelly R. Evenson, Alan S. Go, Mary M. Hand, Rashmi U. Kothari, George A. Mensah, Dexter L. Morris, Arthur M. Pancioli, Barbara Riegel, Julie Johnson Zerwic

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

56 Scopus citations

Abstract

Patient delay in seeking treatment for acute coronary syndrome and stroke symptoms is the major factor limiting delivery of definitive treatment in these conditions. Despite decades of research and public education campaigns aimed at decreasing patient delay times, most patients still do not seek treatment in a timely manner. In this scientific statement, we summarize the evidence that (1) demonstrates the benefits of early treatment, (2) describes the extent of the problem of patient delay, (3) identifies the factors related to patient delay in seeking timely treatment, and (4) reveals the inadequacies of our current approaches to decreasing patient delay. Finally, we offer suggestions for clinical practice and future research.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)326-343
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Nursing
Volume22
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007

Keywords

  • AHA Scientific Statements
  • Acute coronary syndrome
  • Delivery of health care
  • Stroke

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Advanced and Specialized Nursing

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