The role of process mining tools in STEMI networks: where should we build a new primary PCI centre?

Abstract

Abstract Background In ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), time delay between symptom onset and treatment is critical to improve outcome. The expected transport delay between patient location and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) centre is paramount for choosing the adequate reperfusion therapy. The “Centre” region of Portugal has heterogeneity in PCI assess due to geographical reasons. Purpose We aimed to explore time delays between regions using process mining (PM) tools. Methods We retrospectively assessed the Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes for patients with STEMI from October 2010 to September 2019, collecting information on geographical area of symptom onset, reperfusion option, and in-hospital mortality. We used a PM toolkit (PM4H – PMApp Version) to build two models (one national and one regional) that represent the flow of patients in a healthcare system, enhancing time differences between groups. One-way analysis of variance was employed for the global comparison of study variables between groups and post hoc analysis with Bonferroni correction was used for multiple comparisons. Results Overall, 8956 patients (75% male, 48% from 51 to 70 years) were included in the national model (Fig. 1A), in which primary PCI was the treatment of choice (73%), with the median time between admission and primary PCI <120 minutes in every region