Please note: This publication was rescinded on 17 September 2004
Synopsis
The NHMRC Clinical Practice Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Unstable Angina is one of the first clinical practice guidelines adapted for use in Australia. The US Agency for Health Care Policy and Research prepared the original report.
The primary objective of these and similar guidelines is to achieve better health outcomes by helping health professionals to improve their practice, and by better informing consumers about treatment options.
The guidelines adopt an evidence-based approach to best practice. They are targeted towards all health care practitioners engaged in the care of people with unstable angina. These include cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, cardiac care nurses, clinicians and nurses working emergency medicine, and general practitioners and others involved in the continuing care of patients with unstable angina.
The guidelines cover:
- definitions of terms and processes;
- initial evaluation and treatment;
- outpatient care;
- intensive medical management and progression to non intensive care;
- cardiac catheterisation and myocardial revascularisation; and
- hospital discharge and post discharge care.
There is also a consumer guide for people with unstable angina and their families. This is not a full consumer guide but a booklet that aims to highlight important information, without duplicating existing resources and material from organisations like the National Heart Foundation.
