Both the numerator and the denominator include patients with acute chest pain, or other symptoms suggestive of ACS.

Both the numerator and the denominator exclude patients separated on a palliative care pathway, or where adherence to a secondary prevention plan is not indicated.

For an individualised care plan to be included for a patient in the numerator, it needs to be a written plan, addressing factors specific to the patient, such as:

• gradual physical activity (except for patients who are very debilitated)
• attention to lifestyle factors such as smoking cessation, nutrition, alcohol moderation, and weight management, as appropriate
• rest
• therapies addressing psychosocial needs
• self-administration of short-acting nitrates
• self-administration of aspirin; unless contraindicated (most patients should already be taking aspirin)
• calling an ambulance (e.g. dialling 000) if chest pain or discomfort is not completely relieved within 10 minutes
• individualised clinician notification and care plan for those living in areas where an ambulance is not readily available (Acute Coronary Syndrome Guidelines Working Group 2006).

Presented as a percentage.

(Numerator ÷ denominator) x 100

Number of ACS patients provided with an individualised care plan.

Number of ACS patients separated from hospital.

Resources provided to patients who do not speak English may require translation into other languages.

N[NN]

Acute Coronary Syndrome Guidelines Working Group 2006. Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes 2006. Medical Journal of Australia 184(8):S1–S30.