Reducing post-acute coronary syndrome emergency visits

Dr Kathryn Eastwood, Monash University

2021 Postdoctoral Fellowship

Years funded: 2022-2023

Relatively high rates of hospital readmission exist in people discharged from hospital with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) within 90 days. However, almost nothing is known about unplanned emergency services (ambulance and emergency department) presentations within 90 days of discharge. Increasing demand for emergency services, particularly for conditions not requiring urgent care, delays life-saving care for those in urgent need. This project will examine 5-years of unplanned re-presentation/admissions to ambulance, ED and hospital to determine how often, who and why people re-present. Interviews with ACS patients who re-present will provide information on the gaps in care and education leading to re-presentation/admission. Study outcomes will include strategies and recommendations to reduce unnecessary healthcare use and inform care pathways and education to avoid re-presentation.