Elective Cardioversion in the Era of Novel Oral Anticoagulants - Does a Nurse Administered Verbal Questionnaire for Compliance Negate the Need for Routine Transoesophageal Echocardiography?

Background: Anticoagulation prior to elective external direct current cardioversion (EDCCV) is mandatory. The inability to monitor compliance with novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) raises a potential safety issue. We aimed to evaluate whether a structured, nurse-led assessment of compliance prior to EDCCV ensures safety without the need for routine transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE).

What have our patients learnt after being hospitalised for an acute myocardial infarction?

Background: Education for hospitalised patients is an important aspect of care for people who have an acute cardiovascular event.

Objective: To investigate the cardiovascular risk factor behaviours of patients together with their acute coronary syndrome (ACS) knowledge, attitudes and beliefs following admission to hospital for an acute myocardial infarction.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with an acute myocardial infarction participated in an observational study.