Editor's Choice-The organization of chest pain units: Position statement of the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association

Eur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc Care. 2017 Apr;6(3):203-211. doi: 10.1177/2048872617695236. Epub 2017 Feb 1.

Abstract

Chest pain units are defined as organizational short stay units with specific management protocols designed to facilitate and optimize the diagnosis of patients presenting with chest pain in the emergency department. The present document is intended to standardize and facilitate the installation of chest pain units nearby to the emergency department or as an integral part of the emergency department. Recommendations on organizational structure, physical and technical requirements and on disease management are presented. More standardized installation and implementation of chest pain units will enhance the quality of chest pain units and improve the quality of care of our chest pain patients.

Keywords: Chest pain units; recommendations.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Chest Pain / epidemiology
  • Chest Pain / etiology*
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Triage / organization & administration*
  • United States