Missouri medicine
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A self-administered questionnaire concerning the current practice of thrombolytic administration, and the use of National Heart Attack Alert Program (NHAAP) guidelines was mailed to the medical directors of Missouri acute care emergency departments (EDs). Responses from 75% of the EDs surveyed were received. There were standing orders to perform an electrocardiogram at 92% of the EDs surveyed. ⋯ Less than half of the EDs reported a door-to-drug time of less than 30 minutes. The primary delay in starting thrombolytic therapy was identified as decision-making on the part of the emergency physician and/or consultants. Missouri EDs report that they generally follow the NHAAP guidelines for rapid identification and treatment of AMI, but, there were still significant delays reported in the administration of thrombolytics.