An accelerated diagnostic protocol for the early, safe discharge of low-risk chest pain patients

Abstract

Clinical QuestionCan an accelerated 2-hour diagnostic protocol using the cardiac troponin I (cTnI) measurement as the only biomarker be implemented to allow an earlier and safe discharge of low-risk chest pain patients?Article ChosenThan M, Cullen L, Aldous S, et al. 2-Hour accelerated diagnostic protocol to assess patients with chest pain symptoms using contemporary troponins as the only biomarker: the ADAPT trial. J Am Coll Cardiol 2012;59(23):2091-8.ObjectiveTo determine whether an accelerated diagnostic protocol (ADP) for possible cardiac chest pain could identify low-risk patients suitable for early discharge using cTnI as the sole biomarker.

External validation of the emergency department assessment of chest pain score accelerated diagnostic pathway (EDACS-ADP)

“…There is a need to validate accelerated diagnostic protocols in a variety of patient groups and clinical settings before broad adoption 7. This study assessed the performance of EDACS-ADP in the Canadian Vancouver Chest Pain Rule cohort with the aim of gaining further insight into the applicability of the decision aid in different clinical settings.…”