St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin: rapid-access diagnostic clinic
17 November, 2020
Since 2002, St Vincent’s University Hospital has held a rapid-access diagnostic clinic allowing GPs to refer potential new heart failure cases presenting in the community to cardiology specialists with little delay.1 Between 2002 and 2012, 733 people with suspected heart failure attended the clinic, of whom almost 40% were diagnosed with heart failure. Their prognosis was better than suggested by previous studies, which could be due to timely diagnosis, improved treatment options and care within an integrated management structure.
References
- James S, Barton D, O’Connell E, et al. 2015. Life expectancy for community-based patients with heart failure from time of diagnosis. International Journal of Cardiology 178: 268-74