[The effectiveness of training schemes in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome at health centers].

OBJECTIVE: A preliminary evaluation of the impact of a training program on pre-hospitalization care of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

DESIGN: A cross-sectional study.

SETTING: Lleida Health Service area.

PATIENTS: A total of 661 ACS cases were observed in the Intensive Medical Care Unit from January 1st 2002 to December 31st 2004.

INTERVENTIONS: A training program for primary health care medical staff on the pre-hospitalization management of ACS from July 2003 to December 2006 in 29 health care centers was conducted. MAIN ENDPOINTS OF INTEREST: The evolution of 5 pre-hospitalization interventions, (acetylsalicylic acid, nitroglycerine, electrocardiogram, intravenous tube and intravenous morphine) throughout the study period was measured.

RESULTS: It was noted during the study that those centers in which training programs were held had a clear increase in the use of the 5 pre-hospitalization interventions. Insertion of an intravenous line, administration of intravenous morphine and administration of acetylsalicylic acid were all observed to have multiplied their use 10, 8 and 3 times, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: A training scheme for general practitioners (GP) is essential to ensure appropriate care of patients with this condition.