Depressive Symptoms and Perceptions of ED Care in Patients Evaluated for Acute Coronary Syndrome

We found that depressed patients experienced the emergency department as more stressful as objectively measured crowding increased. Our study highlights the complex interplay between cardiovascular disease and mental health in impacting patient health outcomes in the emergency department.Contribution to Emergency Nursing Practice
- Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms develop in an estimated 1 in 8 survivors of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) events. Such negative psychological outcomes in these cardiac patients in turn have been associated with increased cardiac morbidity and mortality.
- Overcrowding in the emergency department has been associated with increased risk of the development of post-traumatic stress disorder, and depressed patients in particular appear vulnerable. This study found that currently depressed patients evaluated for ACS had significantly worse perceptions of ED care and stress during ED evaluation.
- Results from this study highlight the importance of emergency nurse providers in assessing both cardiovascular and psychological well-being when evaluating patients for potential ACS events.