Effect of Implementing a Developed Clinical Pathway on the Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients

Background: Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) was a prevalent and potentially fatal emergency problem that encounters critically ill patients and still a serious medical condition that occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to the myocardial muscle resulting in permanent damage or even death if not treated quickly. Critical care nurses play a crucial role in the implementation of clinical pathway which is a standard of care through recognizing the importance of early and timely management as rapid resuscitation and early PCI that associated with better outcomes. Objective: This is an interventional study aimed to determine the effect of implementing a developed clinical pathway on the outcomes of acute myocardial infarction patients. Settings: This study was conducted in the Coronary Care Unit at Alexandria Main University Hospital, Egypt. Subjects: A convenience sample of 60 newly admitted adult patients with AMI were included in the study. Patients were assigned into two equal groups (30 patients each). Tools: Acute myocardial infarction patients' assessment; Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients’ State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; Satisfaction Scale for Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients; and Clinical Pathway Patients' Variance Checklist were the four tools used to collect the data of this study. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the study and control groups in relation to Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients’ outcomes concerning their vital signs, ability to rest, activity without significant pain, physiological & psychological factors, anxiety level, satisfaction for provided care. Conclusion: implementation of the clinical pathway for acute myocardial infarction patients can lead to improvement of their management and outcomes. Recommendations: Critical care nurses should collaborate with other health team members in the implementation of the clinical pathway for acute myocardial infarction patients of care; hospital administration should conduct educational training programs to health care team members about the use of the clinical pathway for acute myocardial infarction patients and its importance in improving patients’ outcomes.