A decade of improvement in the management of New Zealand ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients : results from the New Zealand Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) Audit Group national audits of 2002, 2007 and 2012

Aim: To audit the management of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients admitted to a New Zealand Hospital over three 14-day periods to review their number, characteristics, management and outcome changes over a decade. Method: The acute coronary syndrome (ACS) audits were conducted over 14 days in May of 2002, 2007 and 2012 at New Zealand Hospitals admitting patients with a suspected or definite ACS. Longitudinal analyses of the STEMI subgroup are reported. Results: From 2002 to 2012, the largest change in management was the proportion of patients undergoing reperfusion by primary PCI from 3% to 15% and 41%; P Conclusion: Substantial improvements have been seen in the management of STEMI patients in New Zealand over the last decade, in accordance with evidenced-based guideline recommendations. However, there appears to be considerable room to optimise management, particularly with the use of timely reperfusion therapy for more patients.