Feedback Intervention and Treatment Times in ST- Elevation Myocardial Infarction (FITT-STEMI): A Multicenter Trial Analyzing the Effects of Systematic Data Feedback on Treatment Quality and Survival Rates.

For many patients with myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI), the time from presentation to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) exceeds established goals. Formalized data feedback is one strategy proposed to reduce treatment time in STEMI-patients. The aim of this multicenter study is to evaluate whether systematic data analysis and feedback leads to shorter contact-to-balloon and door-to-balloon times and reduces mortality in different regional care networks serving patients with STEMI. The multicenter trial includes hospitals with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) capacity. Existing protocols encourage prompt transfer of patients with STEMI to the PCI center and emphasize minimizing time to treatment. In each participating center, all patients presenting with STEMI are enrolled. The study is conducted prospectively during five consecutive 3-month periods (quarters). Data collection is web-based and identical for the five quarters. For each center, time points from initial contact with the medical system to revascularization are assessed, analyzed and presented in an interactive session to hospital and emergency services staff. This formalized data feedback is performed at the end of each quarter.

The multi-phase FITT-STEMI project is structured as follows:

Part I (Pilot Phase)

Patients presenting during the first three-month period are included as the reference group. Data from patients with STEMI presenting during the next four quarters are presented in the same manner. Comparisons between the reference group and the next quarters will be made with the Gehan and Pearson χ2 tests.

Part II (Implementation Phase)