Use of statistical process control to support improved care for patients with acute myocardial infarction eligible for thrombolytic treatment: Experience from 2 hospitals in England during 2002-2003

Efforts to reduce mortality from acute myocardial infarction (MI) through expediting thrombolytic and other reperfusion treatments have included the publication of clinical guidelines and standards of care for "door-to-needle" time in many countries. Across England, the National Service Framework, a national program of reform of cardiac care in the National Health Service, has resulted in, inter alia, significant reductions in treatment delay for thrombolysis-eligible patients. One component of the improvement program has been the use of service improvement methodologies, including statistical process control. We describe the early experience of 2 general hospitals in improving care of thrombolysis-eligible MI patients. Copyright © 2005 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.