There are two groups of referrers for research into possible heart complaints: general practitioners and cardiologists. As an example uses Van Dijk a referral from a general practitioner. “It concerns a man older than 45. We first determine the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries using a CT scan. Calcium is in fact a starting sign of possible narrowing of the coronary artery. If we don’t see any calcium on the scan, the patient immediately returns to the GP.”
Kalkscore CT-scan
According to Van Dijk, Isala is currently the only hospital that uses the calcium score CT scan in this way. “We dare to do this because we have been collecting data from patients with chest pain since 2009. The data – from 22,000 scanned patients – shows that when the calcium score is zero, the chance of problems with the coronary arteries is virtually nil.”
One in three patients who are referred to the hospital by their GP can return to that GP after one quick scan, according to research. Van Dijk: “It is better for the patient and the cardiologist has more time for patients who do have something wrong with them.”
High risk of heart problems
If calcium can be seen after making a calcium score CT scan, the hospital will conduct a follow-up examination, for example a CT of the heart with contrast fluid, says cardiologist Mouden. “We are also conducting follow-up research among people who are at high risk. If there are no abnormalities, the patient can still go back to the GP, for example with advice about medication. If we do see something, the patient gets an appointment with a cardiologist.”
Research figures have now been published about this way of working, says Van Dijk. “Other hospitals can now also set up this high-speed street by using our data.”
Avoid unnecessary recording
last December the FamouS Triage study showed van Isala said that unnecessary hospitalization can be prevented in people with acute complaints of chest pain. This is possible by means of a blood measurement and various examinations that the ambulance nurse can already perform at the patient’s home.
The FamouS Triage study is a collaboration between Ambulance IJsselland, Isala, White Cross Ambulance Care and Deventer Hospital. The results of research and a follow-up study may potentially lead to important adjustments in agreements in the healthcare chain (GP-ambulance-emergency care) and adjustments to guidelines and protocols
Opening event 2022
Would you like to attend the ICT&health Opening Manifestation on 09 May 2022? Tickets are free, but it’s really gone! So don’t wait and sign up quickly.
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