Optimizing Post-Cath Care
Interventional Cardiology fellow
Dr. Sandeep Krishnan and cardiac care nurse
Sue Hansen wanted to improve care, outcomes, and patient satisfaction after catheterization using the ICU early mobility movements as a model.
They performed a randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of early mobilization after cardiac catheterization, enrolling over 100 patients. Early analysis indicates no significant difference between early ambulation and standard of care in bleeding events, back pain, or urinary discomfort. While the study was small, Dr. Krishnan & Ms. Hansen hope that results may change practice by allowing earlier mobility, decreased LOS, and increased patient satisfaction without decreasing post-procedural safety.
Full analysis & results will be presented at the national American College of Cardiology meeting and the Seattle Nursing Research Conference, with study publication to follow.
This project is funded in part by an HQSC grant.
