The purpose of this study is to develop and implement a critical pathway to identify patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy who are candidates for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). This study will also determine whether the use of the critical pathway for ICDs is associated with a change in the ICD referral and implantation rate.
Despite improvements in both medical management and revascularization strategies, sudden death is still a significant complication in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. There is strong evidence to support the role of ICDs for the primary prevention of sudden death in this population. However, in Canada and the United States, ICDs are underutilized. Critical pathways are algorithms that improve health care delivery and clinical outcomes while reducing practice variability. The use of a critical pathway to assess a patient's eligibility for an ICD may increase the appropriate use of this evidence-based technology.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
600
The critical pathway is a series of predetermined processes designed to assess a patient's eligibility for an ICD. The critical pathway will incorporate current evidence-based practice guidelines.
St. Paul's Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Rate of Referral for ICD Assessment
Time frame: 1 year
Rate of ICD Implantation
Time frame: 1 year
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.