Following the 999 call Hamish is admitted to the medical admission unit (MAU). The GP is concerned that Hamish may have unstable angina.
Hamish is admitted to MAU and is attached to a cardiac monitor to monitor his heart rhythm. This is important because heart rhythm disturbances are common in acute coronary syndromes. In other areas, some patients may be monitored by telemetry, which allows remote monitoring.
Pulse point
During the transfer and admission process a lot of medical and nursing procedures that require to be carried out. It is vital that adequate explanations are given to a patient and their family since the process can be strange and intimidating. Patients need to be given opportunities to ask questions and seek reassurance at all times.
It is important that the patient and their family are involved in the decisions made about the care they receive.(NICE CG 95) They will require information, reassurance and explanations at all stages of their treatment. Nurses and other members of the multidisciplinary team must communicate effectively checking understanding are in an ideal position to provide support at all stages of the patient journey. Hamish may think “I am going to die” “If I survive will I ever be able to dance with Flora again” Flora may think “Will he be able to make love to me the way he used to”. Information both written and verbally should be based on patients own requirements.
Mutually beneficial partnerships between patients, their families and those delivering health care services which respect individual needs and values and which demonstrate compassion, continuity, clear communication and shared decision-making.
Page last reviewed: 08 Jun 2020
