Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyCross-sectional study
A cross-sectional nationwide survey of guideline based syncope units in the Netherlands: the SU-19 score—a novel validation for best practices
- Cross-sectional study
- nationwide survey
Authors' conclusion
There is a network of 20 SUs in the Netherlands. Forty-five per cent fully met the SU-19 score (mean 18.0 ± 1.1).
Study context
- Population
- Syncope units (structured specialized syncope care) in cardiology, neurology and internal medicine outpatient clinics in the Netherlands
- Participants
- 20 syncope units
- Outcome
- Fulfilment of ESC/EHRA guideline essential requirements, assessed by the SU-19 score (structure 3, available tests 12, initial evaluation 4 points)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
SU-19 score
Mean SU-19 score
18.0 ± 1.1
Achieved maximum score of 19 points
45%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Syncope unit characteristics
- Academic hospitals
- 5/20
- Non-academic hospitals
- 15/20
- Multidisciplinary involvement during initial evaluation
- 17/20
- Neurology, cardiology or both responsible for syncope management
- 19/20
- Non-physicians performing head-up tilt test
- 44%
- Non-physicians involved in initial evaluation
- 40%
- Variations in protocols for active standing test, carotid sinus massage and head-up tilt test
Original publication
A cross-sectional nationwide survey of guideline based syncope units in the Netherlands: the SU-19 score—a novel validation for best practices. Europace. Published 8 January 2024. doi:10.1093/europace/euae002
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it