Examples of Patient Discharge Instructions, ACS Rule Out Protocols, and Order Sheets

Abstract

The Society of Chest Pain Centers (Society) is a non-profit international society that bridges cardiology, emergency medicine, emergency medical services and other professions focused upon improving care for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and acute heart failure. The Society promotes protocol-based medicine, often delivered through a Chest Pain Center model, to address the diagnosis and treatment of ACS and acute heart failure, and to promote the adoption of process improvement science by healthcare providers. (Visit www.scpcp.org for more information.)

The Chest Pain Center is promoted by the Society as an Operational Model for ACS care. Within this model, facilities can plan and organize the delivery of care in a systematic manner conducive to a process improvement and patient safety approach.

Chest Pain Center Accreditation was developed using the principles of improvement science that are widely known and used successfully in many areas of endeavor. To improve patient outcomes, the upstream care processes need to be improved. All patient care is a process and can be enhanced.

The Society’s approach to Accreditation is radically different from other certification processes that set specifications and then measure compliance. In contrast to more traditional certification models, our Accreditation Review Specialists are collaborative and provide feedback, education and resources to assist the facility in addressing gaps and improving processes.