Attitudes and Perceptions of Nurses and Doctors to Nurse-Led and Nurse-Initiated Thrombolysis—An Irish Perspective

UNLABELLED: Nurse-led and nurse-initiated thrombolysis are strategies utilised within the United Kingdom to reduce delays for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) requiring thrombolytic therapy. Both strategies have been found to reduce delays significantly. A Reduction in the delays experienced by patients can increase an individual's long-term survival rate. To date, there appears to be no documented research pertaining to nurse-led and nurse-initiated thrombolysis within the Irish arena. AIM: To investigate if the attitudes and perceptions of nurses and doctors are positive to nurse-led and nurse-initiated thrombolysis. METHODS: A quantitative approach employing a comparative descriptive survey design was utilised. A convenience sample of 75 nurses and 28 doctors was obtained. FINDINGS: Highlighted that nurse-led and nurse-initiated thrombolysis are potential roles for coronary care nurses. There was a significant difference of opinion between the two professional groups regarding this initiative, with nurses having higher levels of agreement. Nurses were more willing to undertake nurse-led thrombolysis (91%) as compared to nurse-initiated (74%), with years of experience and education appearing to influence this decision. CONCLUSION: It is suggested nurse-led thrombolysis is the more favourable role to Irish nurses and doctors.