Objectives
Characterize the access of patients with myocardial infarction to cardiology reference hospitals.
Methods
Cross-sectional study conducted in two cardiology reference hospitals. A sample of 100 patients, with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction, was interviewed employing a specific instrument. Mean, standard deviation and percentage values were used in the analysis.
Results
Male subjects; black skin; married; low socioeconomic status and mean age of 56.4 years predominated. The onset of symptoms at home, use of inadequate means of transportation, emergency service as the first place sought for assistance; and admission to cardiology reference hospitals up to the third medical assistance prevailed. Of the 67 patients with myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation, 12% received reperfusion therapies. The lack of resources was the main reason for the pilgrimage within the healthcare system.
Conclusion
Use of inappropriate means of transportation, low proportion of myocardial reperfusion, and lack of structure of the healthcare network to deliver care related to the infarct was observed.
Public health nursing; Education, nursing; Myocardial infarction; Health services; Access to health services; Health services needs and demand