Implementation of regional STEMI networks in Spain has improved reperfusion times, increased primary PCI rates, and decreased mortality among STEMI patients.
Does the implementation of regional STEMI networks improve reperfusion times and reduce mortality in STEMI patients?
Regional STEMI networks in Spain successfully improve reperfusion times and reduce mortality, highlighting the need for equitable access across all regions.
Early reperfusion of the occluded artery is the mainstay of the treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and the best way to coordinate the resources to deliver optimal care as soon as possible is through STEMI networks. Coordination of the healthcare system is the responsibility of each of the 17 different autonomous communities in Spain. Since 2002, when the first STEMI network in Spain was established, six other communities have developed regional networks, covering 39% of the population in Spain. In the autonomous communities, after implementing an intervention model, an improvement in the reperfusion times with an increase in the number of primary percutaneous coronary interventions has been observed. This optimisation of the system has resulted in a decrease in the mortality rate among STEMI patients treated in Spanish communities with a STEMI network. Despite the encouraging advances, the challenge remains of assuring equity of treatment for all of our patients regardless of their region of residence.
Regueiro et al. (Wed,) conducted a review in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). STEMI networks was evaluated on Reperfusion times, primary percutaneous coronary intervention rates, and mortality. Implementation of regional STEMI networks in Spain has improved reperfusion times, increased primary PCI rates, and decreased mortality among STEMI patients.