Telematic Support of Management Processes in Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Poland

Coronary artery disease is one of the most serious medical challenges of the 21st century. Thanks to the development of cardiology and medical technology, the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) has become more and more effective in recent years. According to European standards, electrocardiogram (ECG) should be performed as soon as possible for every patient suspected of having a MI. Correct ECG interpretation is crucial for qualifying the patient for the appropriate treatment. If ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is diagnosed, the optimal treatment is primary coronary intervention (PCI) within 120 min since first medical contact with the patient. Patients diagnosed with STEMI should be transported directly to the hospital with the primary PCI program. In order to accelerate and facilitate the diagnosis of MI, telematic systems supporting the management of the diagnostic process have also been introduced for daily use. Lifenet 5.2 is the most common system operating for several years in Poland consisting of a number of transmitting stations (modems) located in ambulances that enable ECG transmission to the receiving station located in the catheterization laboratory, which allows immediate put to correct diagnosis. The modems are connected to defibrillators, which are necessary to perform an ECG and collect the patient’s vital signs. This paper describes the process of diagnosis and treatment of STEMI using Lifenet 5.2 in the realities of the Polish health care system with particular emphasis on the key role of the Emergency Medical System, shows strengths of the system, their impact on the development of cardiology and on decrease in mortality rates due to MI, as well as limitations and local problems during the everyday use of this system.