Columbia St. Mary’s Cardiac Protocols Saves Lives, Earn National Recognition

with Robert Roth, M.D., Interventional Cardiologist, Columbia St. Mary’s

Posted: Feb. 1, 2006

If a patient having a heart attack is to be treated successfully, minutes matter. Rapid diagnosis and management of chest pain and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are extremely time-sensitive, explained Robert Roth, M.D., an interventional cardiologist.

Having rapid diagnosis and treatment protocols in place has earned Columbia St. Mary’s a full Chest Pain Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC). Currently both the Milwaukee and Columbia campuses are accredited; Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee hospital is in the accreditation process.

“At Columbia St. Mary’s Hospitals we have optimized our patients’ chances of a successful recovery by implementing rapid response protocols that provide the highest, quickest level of care for patients experiencing a heart attack,” he said. “The bottom line of our accreditation as a chest pain center is that our patients are effectively treated and lives are saved.”

There has been an effort in the field of cardiology to increase early recognition and enhance the aggressive management of people experiencing heart attacks, chest pains and the whole spectrum of acute coronary syndrome, Dr. Roth stated.

“The certification that we earned from the Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC) confirms that we have the processes and protocols in place to provide the highest level of care for acute patients experiencing a heart attack. We know that if we continue to comply with these guidelines, we’re at the top level of the cutting edge of medical care for our cardiac patients.”

The SCPC, formed several years ago by cardiologists and emergency room doctors around the country, established guidelines for the management of chest pain. Dr. Roth explained the society’s mission is to help a heart attack patient quickly and initiate the treatment process rapidly.

The SCPC encourages the education of not just the hospital’s emergency department about correct protocol but the entire hospital staff, as well as paramedics out in the field. Public education also is emphasized.

Recent advancements in the treatment of heart attacks has greatly reduced the death rate associated with them, but successful treatments are time-dependent. For a good outcome, the patient must quickly recognize the signs of a heart attack, Dr. Roth noted.

SCPC criteria for accreditation include Columbia St. Mary’s ongoing process improvement program, the emphasis on extensive training of medical personnel, adequate functional space in the hospital, and the emergency room’s integration with the emergency medical system. “Also our organization structure that enhances fast, effective treatment, and our effective diagnosis and assessment procedures have combined with all these elements to earn the accreditation, which we are very proud of,” Dr. Roth said.

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