Implementation of a High-sensitivity Troponin Assay for Adult Patients Who Present to the Emergency Department With Chest Pain: The Role of Clinical Decision Support

Abstract

Background

The objective of this study was to assess the health outcomes for patients who present to the emergency department (ED) with cardiac chest pain after the implementation of an accelerated diagnostic protocol using a high-sensitivity troponin assay (hs-TnI).

Methods

This prospective before-after cohort study used population-based linked health administrative data for adult patients who presented to a Canadian urban ED with chest pain of suspected cardiac origin over a 2-year study period. The primary outcome was ED length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included operational and clinical outcomes within 30 days of the index ED visit.

Results

During the study period, 4339 patients were included, with 2031 in the conventional troponin group and 2308 in the hs-TnI group. Overall, the median age was 56 years and 52% were male. The median ED LOS was reduced from 430 minutes to 400 minutes after protocol implementation (median difference, -30.0; 95% confidence interval, -47.8 to -12.3). For discharged patients who underwent serial troponin tests, the LOS was 89 minutes shorter (95% confidence interval, -110.8 to -67.2). The proportion of patients discharged increased from 73% to 78% after implementation (P = 0.0001). At 30 days, there were no differences in hospital readmission or major adverse event outcomes.

Conclusions

Using clinical decision support, the implementation of a new hs-TnI and accelerated diagnostic protocol was associated with shorter ED LOS and fewer hospitalizations for adult patients with chest pain who were assessed in the ED. These results suggest that the protocol is effective and safe in real-world clinical settings.