Outcomes Following Community Intervention Trials for Acute Myocardial Infarction.Abstract, Executive Summary and Final Report

摘要

The advent of thrombolytic therapy has made it possible to alter the clinicalcourse of myocardial infarction, given early recognition of symptoms and rapid use of the appropriate medical therapy. The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to evaluate two intervention designed to (1) increase the use of 911 for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and (2) decrease time between the onset of symptoms and seeking medical care. The project included a household intervention, whereby residents 50 years or older were randomly assigned to one of three mass media educational campaigns. Brochures were sent through the mail to residents and were based on either social, information, or emotional messages about the importance of early treatment in response to symptoms. A fourth group of residents served as the control group. A second set of interventions was directed at patients discharged from coronary care units who were at risk for an AMI. These individuals were randomized into one of three subgroups; to receive either a personal letter, a personal letter plus telephone counseling by a public health nurse, or to the control group.