Scot Med J
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Rapid access chest pain clinics are expanding across the country with marked resource implications despite a paucity of data regarding their efficacy. Early assessment of patients in this manner potentially delays review of patients referred via the traditional route. We conducted a prospective observational study of patients referred with chest pain to the Cardiology Outpatient Department over a four-week period in a District General Hospital to compare demographics and outcomes in patients referred to the rapid access with those referred to the general cardiology clinics. ⋯ Both populations were low risk. Discussion is needed between primary and secondary care to achieve a consensus as to the purpose of a rapid access system and how best to utilise the service appropriately. Further studies are required to assess the efficacy and health economics of this system.