We have located links that may give you full text access.
Benefits of arrhythmia care coordinators.
Nursing Times 2013 July 32
Arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats) are common but can be life threatening. Symptoms can be severe and include palpitations, dizziness, blackouts, breathlessness and even chest pain. These can be highly distressing for patients, causing them severe anxiety and depression if they are not well supported. Early diagnosis is essential to reduce mortality and improve quality of life--the most common arrhythmia--atrial fibrillation--can cause a stroke if left untreated or inadequately treated. While sudden cardiac death is less common in a young person, it is usually due to an inherited cardiac condition that has resulted in a critical arrhythmia. Screening family members at risk can provide timely assessment, psychological support through counselling and treatment with the implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator if necessary. In 2005, a chapter setting out best practice for arrhythmia care was added to the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease. This highlights the need for early diagnosis and expert patient support. In response, the British Heart Foundation launched a pilot programme to fund specialist nurses as arrhythmia care coordinators. Its aim was to develop and improve care pathways, and provide continuity and support for patients diagnosed with an arrhythmia to improve clinical care and emotional wellbeing. An independent evaluation by the University of York showed that these posts significantly improved patients' experiences of arrhythmia services, prevented thousands of readmissions and cut costs for the NHS. This article explains how the new role was successfully implemented.
Full text links
Related Resources
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.
By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Your Privacy Choices
You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app