International journal for quality in health care : journal of the International Society for Quality in Health Care
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Int J Qual Health Care · Aug 2000
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialImproving time-sensitive processes in the intensive care unit: the example of 'door-to-needle time' in acute myocardial infarction.
To assess and reduce delays in coronary thrombolysis in patients with acute myocardial infarction. ⋯ Formal process analysis, followed by implementation of revised guidelines resulted in a significant reduction of 'door-to-needle time'. An initial dramatic but transient reduction of 'door-to-needle time' was considered observational and must not be mistaken as the definite new level of performance. We conclude that formal process analysis techniques are suited to improve processes in the intensive care unit.