Published Online
on June 26, 2006

A more recent version of this article appeared on July 11, 2006

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Reducing Delay in Seeking Treatment by Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome and Stroke. A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular Nursing and Stroke Council

Debra K. Moser DNSc, RN, FAHA, Laura P. Kimble PhD, RN, FAHA, Mark J. Alberts MD, FAHA, Angelo Alonzo PhD, Janet B. Croft PhD, Kathleen Dracup DNSc, RN, FAHA, Kelly R. Evenson PhD, Alan S. Go MD, Mary M. Hand MSPH, RN, FAHA, Rashmi U. Kothari MD, FAHA, George A. Mensah MD, FAHA, Dexter L. Morris PhD, MD, Arthur M. Pancioli MD, FAHA, Barbara Riegel DNSc, RN, CS, FAHA, and Julie Johnson Zerwic PhD, RN, FAHA

Abstract--Patient delay in seeking treatment for acute coronary syndrome and stroke symptoms is the major factor limiting delivery of definitive treatment in these conditions. Despite decades of research and public education campaigns aimed at decreasing patient delay times, most patients still do not seek treatment in a timely manner. In this scientific statement, we summarize the evidence that (1) demonstrates the benefits of early treatment, (2) describes the extent of the problem of patient delay, (3) identifies the factors related to patient delay in seeking timely treatment, and (4) reveals the inadequacies of our current approaches to decreasing patient delay. Finally, we offer suggestions for clinical practice and future research.

Key words: AHA Scientific Statements • acute coronary syndrome • stroke • delivery of health care

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