The Cardiovascular Health Network aims to improve health outcomes for people with cardiovascular conditions by enabling consumers and carers, health professionals, hospitals, health services and the Department of Health WA to engage and collaborate effectively to facilitate health policy and increased coordination of care across the State.
Network lead and membership
The Network is currently led by Dr Rick Bond and Dr Tony Mylius. They are supported by an Executive Advisory Group (EAG) with representatives from five clinical and service groups including: cardiology, interventional cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery vascular services, general medicine (where it relates to cardiovascular specialties), as well as consumers.
An Acute Coronary Syndromes Reference Group provides expert advice to the EAG, including review and advice on the Western Australian adoption and implementation of national policy such as the Acute Coronary Syndromes Clinical Care Standard (ACSQH) (external site)
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Models of care and resources
Health Networks develops models of care, policy frameworks and other resources to provide a cohesive and consistent plan for health care across WA. Implementation of these resources occurs in partnership with the Health Service Providers and other organisations involved in health care.
Cardiovascular rehabilitation and secondary prevention pathway principles and quick reference guide
The WA Cardiovascular Network developed this guide - working with the Heart Foundation and the WA Cardiovascular Health and Rehabilitation Association - to provide practical tools for health professionals to use with their patients. It describes the key components of the rehabilitation and secondary prevention journey.
Antiplatelet medication advice card
The Antiplatelet Medication Advice Card card has been developed for hospital cardiology staff to give to patients when they have had certain types of coronary stent procedures. Download and print the Card for use in your service.
The aim of the card is to remind patients to have a conversation with their health professional who might be considering stopping one or more of their antiplatelet medications for them to undergo a surgical or medical procedure. This is because sometimes patients may be told to briefly stop their Aspirin or other antiplatelet medication before their procedure. Stopping this medication carries a risk of blood clots developing.
To minimise the risk of blood clots developing within a patient’s stent it is essential that the patient’s cardiologist is consulted if any changes to the antiplatelet medication are proposed, even if they are temporary.
How to use the card
- Cardiology staff to complete all the fields on the card and give it to the patient with an explanation of how it should be used.
- Patients to show it to any health professionals who are considering making changes to the antiplatelet medication (even if the changes are temporary).
- Get the health professional to consult the patient’s cardiologist if any changes are proposed to the antiplatelet medication (even if the changes are temporary). This will ensure that appropriate decisions are made to reduce the risk of a heart attack associated with a clot forming within your stent.
Last reviewed: 19-10-2018
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