The care pathway of myocardial infarction patients in a remote area: A descriptive exploratory study

"Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is on the rise and is the second leading cause of death among Canadians. Background: The care pathway followed by myocardial infarction patients in remote areas has an impact on their continuity of care.
Objective: To describe the care pathway of myocardial infarction patients living in a remote area.
Methods: A qualitative formative research design was used. Two samples were created, the first comprising sixteen people who had undergone a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, and the second made up of four health professionals working in Family Medicine Groups (FMGs).
Results: Eight steps were identified and three priority needs were raised, namely: 1) understanding the pathway of care and services; 2) effectively communicating health information to the various establishments; and 3) setting up follow-up by FMG health professionals when the patient returns home.
Discussion: Nurses play a key role in all steps of the pathway and in meeting patients’ needs.
Conclusion: The care and service pathway are suboptimal but the same for participants from this remote area."