The Role of Nurses in a Chest Pain Unit

Abstract

The chest pain unit (CPU) provides a service for patients at moderate-to-low risk for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Although the number of CPUs has continued to grow worldwide, little has been written on the specific role and contribution of nursing in CPUs. The stay of patients in the CPU can be divided into six stages: triage, diagnosis, treatment, observation/monitoring, discharge, and follow-up. CPU nurses are in a unique position to promote evidence-based practice during all of these stages. Deeper insight into the unique role of nurses in CPUs will promote understanding of what type of knowledge, skills, and attitudes are required to provide the services that will contribute to improved quality of care for chest pain patients.

Kriterien der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kardiologie – Herz- und Kreislaufforschung für „Chest Pain Units“

“…Eine Weiterbildung zum Pflegeexperten "Chest Pain Unit", die durch die DGK zertifiziert wird, ist sinnvoll. Ein regelmäßiges Notfalltraining ist obligat [41] und sollte mindestens 2-mal pro Jahr durchgeführt werden.…”

Konsensuspapier der Task Force „Brustschmerz-Ambulanz“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kardiologie – Herz- und Kreislaufforschung

“…Für das Pflegepersonal ist ein regelmäßiges Notfalltraining im Umfang des ALS-Training ("advanced life support") obligat [21]. Quartalsweise sind Teamgespräche und Fallkonferenzen durchzuführen und zu dokumentieren (.…”

Discharge of Non–Acute Coronary Syndrome Chest Pain Patients From Emergency Care to an Advanced Nurse Practitioner–Led Chest Pain Clinic

“…Across Europe chest pain assessment units linked to ED provide a common route to manage the patient who presents with chest pain 8,9 focusing on prompt diagnosis and management of ACS. Whilst there is evidence of the benefits of the role of the chest pain unit reducing overall hospital admissions, 8,9 this option still has cost implications related to staffing, equipment and space within the ED setting, a setting renowned for its stresses. 8 Recently specific protocols and practices have been developed to facilitate direct discharge from the ED.…”