“Community Cardiology Model Implemented in a Public Step-Down ICU: Reducing Mortality and Readmissions in Rural”
“Community Cardiology Model Implemented in a Public Step-Down ICU: Reducing Mortality and Readmissions in Rural”
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51473/rcmos.v1i1.2025.945Keywords:
community cardiology; cardiovascular mortality; clinical protocol; public health; step-down intensive care.:** cardiologia comunitária; mortalidade cardiovascular; protocolo clínico; saúde pública; unidade semi-intensiva.Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death in Brazil, especially in rural areas with limited infrastructure and specialist shortages. Objective: To assess the impact of a structured community-based cardiology model implemented in the Step-Down Intensive Care Unit (SD-ICU) of Tomaz Martins Municipal Hospital (Santa Inês, Maranhão) on mortality, length of stay and clinically stable discharge. Methods: Retrospective, quantitative and descriptive observational study including a census of 1,148 patients admitted between 2015 and 2020. Results: Cardiovascular mortality decreased by 27 %, mean length of stay fell from 8.4 ± 2.1 to 5.6 ± 1.4 days, and clinically stable discharges rose to 89 %. Conclusion: Standardised clinical protocols combined with continuous medical leadership can markedly improve outcomes in medium-complexity public services.
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