Although the ACC/AHA guidelines for managing ACS provide an evidence-based approach to ideal patient care, the guidelines cannot be implemented uniformly from hospital to hospital. Especially in smaller institutions, customization and optimal use of available resources is necessary to provide the best care possible. The STRIVE “Rural Hospital Series” continues in 2011 to address the specific needs and resources of smaller hospitals, with case-based lectures by experts in ACS focusing on adherence to the ACC/AHA guidelines, development of critical pathways for UA/NSTEMI, implementing new ACS performance measures, and optimizing time-to-treatment by establishing/improving transfer protocols and/or by optimizing fibrinolytic-based reperfusion strategies. Emphasis is placed on enhancing systems of care.

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