Heart Podcast Rapid access chest pain clinics - what's the evidence?
Mar 11, 2025
Andrew Black, an interventional cardiologist from Royal Hobart Hospital and a researcher at the Menzies Institute, dives into the world of rapid access chest pain clinics. He discusses the critical importance of timely assessments and how these clinics can streamline patient care. The conversation highlights varying global practices and emphasizes the need for updated evidence to validate their effectiveness. With a focus on nurse-led models showing promising results, this discussion sheds light on the future of chest pain management.
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RACPAC Rationale
- Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinics (RACPACs) aim to quickly assess and treat patients with chest pain.
- They prioritize rapid diagnosis and treatment for those with cardiac issues while efficiently managing those with benign causes.
Lack of RACPAC Recommendations
- National guidelines often don't specifically recommend RACPACs, focusing on core management instead of specific care models.
- This might be due to variability in models, insufficient evidence, or the perception that guidelines should focus on medical management over models of care.
RACPAC Structure and Staffing
- RACPAC staffing and structure vary globally.
- They often involve initial nurse contact, physician review, and investigations, with diverse models existing in different healthcare settings.