Challenges of the primary health care system in timely treatment and hospitalization of patients with acute myocardial infarction in Georgia

Abstract

Introduction: The family physician plays a major role in the management and emergency referral of patients with angina pectoris. The purpose of the study is to study the challenges of the primary health care system in Georgia in the timeliness of treatment and, if necessary, hospitalization of patients with acute myocardial infarction in the pre-hospital stage. Methodology: within the framework of quantitative research, a survey of doctors of selected cardiology clinics and patients with acute myocardial infarction was conducted. Results, Discussion: Patients contact emergency medical care directly, without contacting their family doctor. During illness, only 11% of patients consulted a family doctor, which shows that primary health care in Georgia is not developed at an appropriate level. 95.8% of patients who went directly to emergency medical services at the onset of symptoms took less than 2 hours to receive emergency medical services. However, patients who contacted their family physician before hospitalization had a relatively shorter delay time and therefore referred to an emergency medical service earlier, up to 6 hours earlier, than patients who self-medicated. This is because family doctors properly perceive the symptoms and try to refer patients to the emergency medical service in time if necessary. In contrast to this, during self-medication, which also has a large share in our study (n=98, 22.5%), the delay time for emergency medical assistance is relatively high (n=90, 66.7%). Conclusion: It is recommended to carry out public health campaigns that will help patients with chest pain to contact the emergency medical service immediately. If the discomfort is minor, it is more appropriate to consult a family doctor.