Counts, Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Transported by the Royal Flying Doctor Service to Metropolitan Perth With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome: Western Australian Linked Data Study.
Julian Ming, Helen Bartholomew, David Preen and 6 others
PMID 40985571WHAT IT FOUND
Most rural Western Australians flown to Perth for suspected acute coronary syndrome survived and were admitted to hospital.
Women, patients with more comorbidities and some remote regions were less likely to receive a coronary procedure.
Key findings
0111 126 of 11 226 transports for suspected acute coronary syndrome were admitted to hospital.
0284.5% of admitted transports received a diagnostic coronary artery procedure, but women and patients with more comorbidities were less likely to receive one.
03Death was more likely with older age, higher comorbidity, Priority 1 transport, medical escort and Kimberley origin.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study only looked at patients flown to Perth. It did not include people who were not flown, who were treated by road ambulance, or who declined transfer. The records did not show whether the suspected acute coronary syndrome diagnosis came from the flying doctor team or the referring clinician. The records did not include Indigenous status, detailed clinical notes, symptom onset times, referral times or transport times. The study describes transported patients without comparing them with patients who were not transported, so it cannot show that transport improved outcomes. Transport priority may reflect the capability of the referring hospital as well as patient severity. The South West region is closer to Perth, and less severe patients there may have been moved by road ambulance.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this as proof that aeromedical transport improves outcomes. The study only describes patients who were transported and does not compare them with patients who were not transported.