The services of the GOSPEC Clinic (Post-Cardiac Event Management Clinic) are offered to patients of the Montreal Heart Institute following hospitalization for a cardiac event (myocardial infarction, dilatation or angina).
From Monday to Friday, the clinic offers direct-line access to nurses with extensive experience in coronary care to help patients avoid a visit to Emergency—or ensure they get there faster—depending on the reason for the call and the nurse's assessment of the situation.
After patients return home, they are contacted about their interest in receiving follow-up care from the clinic's team.
A nurse makes the initial phone call to establish the patient's medical profile. The nurse will note the following information in the patient's record:
- Medication taken
- Symptoms before hospitalization and tests and procedures while in hospital
- Medical history
- Progress since returning home
To help patients better manage their heart condition at home, the nurse reviews what patients learned during their hospital stay:
How to take nitroglycerin to manage chest pain
- The role and importance of taking medication daily
- Withdrawal symptoms for patients who are quitting smoking
- A gradual return to regular activities
Patients can discuss any concerns, questions or symptoms with the nurse during this call. As needed, the nurse will consult a GOSPEC physician to have the patient's medication adjusted or to refer the patient to the appropriate resource.
Patients are strongly encouraged to contact the clinic team for any questions or if particular symptoms appear (coronary symptoms or symptoms associated with new medications). The nurse will contact patients periodically to ensure compliance with treatment (medication) and check for any change in their heart condition.
If symptoms call for immediate intervention, the nurse will direct the patient to Emergency. The clinic nurses work as a team with cardiologists.
To register for this clinic or for more information, please contact Stéphanie Rochette at 514-374-1480, extension 287.
Telephone follow-up
Patients are strongly encouraged to contact the clinic team for any questions or if particular symptoms appear (coronary symptoms or symptoms associated with new medications). The nurse will contact patients periodically to ensure compliance with treatment (medication) and check for any change in their heart condition.
Referrals
If symptoms call for immediate intervention, the nurse will direct the patient to Emergency. The clinic nurses work as a team with cardiologists.
Registration
To register for this clinic or for more information, please contact Stéphanie Rochette at 514-374-1480, extension 287.