March 1, 1982Circulation
Physician practice in the management of patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction: changes in the past decade.
Why the study?
How have physician practice patterns in the management of uncomplicated myocardial infarction changed between 1970 and 1979?
Population
Almost 6000 physicians surveyed in 1979 regarding the management of patients with uncomplicated acute…
Comparison
Survey of practice patterns in 1979 vs Similar survey taken in 1970
Design
Cross-sectional
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
Marked shifts in uncomplicated MI practices occurred in the 1970s; extends 1970 survey but leaves open outcome effects.
Key Points
- To determine changes in patterns of care and physician practices for patients with uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction between 1970 and 1980.
- Questionnaires were distributed to nearly 6,000 physicians in 1979.
- Survey responses were compared with results obtained from an identical survey conducted in 1970.
- Physicians reported marked reductions in median hospitalization length alongside increased adoption of early ambulation, progressive-care units, and continuous electrocardiographic monitoring.
- In-hospital prescription of routine anticoagulant therapy declined, whereas the use of prophylactic antiarrhythmics, tranquilizers, and nitrate drugs increased.
- Adoption of coronary angiography and post-infarction treadmill exercise testing around six weeks post-event significantly expanded across all medical specialties.
Structured PICO
How have physician practice patterns in the management of uncomplicated myocardial infarction changed between 1970 and 1979?
P
Population
Almost 6000 physicians surveyed in 1979 regarding the management of patients with uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction
I
Intervention
Survey of practice patterns in 1979
C
Comparator
Similar survey taken in 1970
O
Outcome
Changes in patterns of care for patients with uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction
Physician practice patterns for uncomplicated MI evolved significantly over the 1970s, shifting towards shorter hospital stays, earlier ambulation, and increased use of exercise testing and angiography.
Cite This Study
Wenger et al. (1982) studied this question.