Aims:
- To investigate the interim pre cardiac catheterization period in candidates waiting for this procedure – and the factors that influence this interval.
- Examine the influence of this interim period on the likelihood of bleeding complications and worsening of kidney function in patients after catheterization procedure.
Population and Methods: The study comprised 411 patients between ages of 18-90 that underwent left coronary catheterization in the Sheba Medical Center. A theoretical prospective study between 19.8.2012 and 31.12.2012.
Methodology: Data abstraction from patient hospital computerized records.
Results:
- 38% (157) entered the cath lab on time; 62% (254) did not enter on time; 22% (92) were delayed; 34% (139) were postponed; 6% (23) were cancelled.
- All patients arrived prepared for the cath procedure
70 (17%) arrived totally ready
341 (83%) arrived not fully prepared
- the distribution of receipt of patients for catheterization on time vs not on time (delay, postponement or cancellation) according to source of arrival. 73% ambulatory patients did not enter the cath lab on time; 68% from the internal medicine and 49% from cardiology. All patients received from the ICCU entered catheterization as planned ((c2 (9) 938; p=.000)
Recommendations: The possibility of operating a pre-catheterization clinic should be examined for ambulatory patients, similar to existing pre-surgery clinics in the hospital.Regarding hospitalized patients existing preparation procedures should be investigated before sending patients from hospital departments for catheterization procedures. In the pre-catheterization period regulations should be revised and checked for readiness of patient for the procedure prior to his/her leaving the department. Implementation of these changes would lead to reducing the time expended by the nursing staff in dealing with unprepared patients. It would also reduce the pre-catheterization waiting time of patients.
Financial consequences of shortening of waiting time should be considered.
