MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on all patients with acute myocardial infarction who were treated in Nordland County Hospital in a six-month period in 1996 were analyzed retrospectively (137 patients). After the introduction of checklists for the treatment of such patients, we did a prospective six-month registration in 1997 (111 patients) in order to find out whether treatment and delay times had improved. RESULTS: The proportion of patients who received thrombolytic treatment did not change (28% in 1996 as compared to 25% in 1997). The in-hospital delay time before treatment did not differ before and after the introduction of a check-list (approximately 40 minutes in both periods). There was an increase in the use of intravenous beta blockers and aspirin. INTERPRETATION: The percentage of patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving thrombolytics in our hospital does not differ substantially from that of other hospitals in Norway.
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Comment In: Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2000 May 10;120(12):147510851948