Rapid access chest pain clinics in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Summary Chest pain is the second most common reason for adult emergency department presentations. Most patients have low or intermediate risk chest pain, which historically has led to inpatient admission for further evaluation. Rapid access chest pain clinics represent an innovative outpatient pathway for these low and intermediate risk patients, and have been shown to be safe and reduce hospital costs. Despite variations in rapid access chest pain clinic models, there are limited data to determine the most effective approach. Developing a national framework could be beneficial to provide sites with evidence, possible models, and business cases. Multicentre data analysis could enhance understanding and monitoring of the service.

Lifestyle changes and quality of life a year after attending Rapid Access Cardiology Clinics: an observational study

“…2 Where evaluated, they have been found to be safe, can reduce hospitalisations, are costeffective and are an acceptable model of care to health professionals and patients alike. 3,4 While a large proportion of patients presenting to a RACC will not be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (CVD) at that presentation, 5 they may be a population with high cardiovascular risk and a target for primary prevention.…”