National Service Framework
Summary of National Service Framework for Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death
What is a National Service Framework (NSF)?
A National Service Framework is a blueprint for provision of services for a particular condition. They set down the standards of services people should accept in the National Health Service, and a quality framework against which local services can secure improvements.
How did the National Service Framework for Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death originate?
Cardiac arrhythmias are a common cause of syncope. Bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias can cause a sudden change in cardiac output. The consequent lack of blood reaching the brain will result in syncope. Syncope can be a sign and a symptom of an underlying heart rhythm disorder.
In 2004, following a Patient advocacy meeting, the Syncope Trust And Reflex anoxic Seizures (STARS), Cardiomyopathy Association (CMA), and Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS UK) joined forces as an alliance with a common interest in arrhythmias. The aim of this formation was to lobby for the writing of a new Chapter on Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death in the National Service Framework (NSF) for Coronary Heart Disease. Before lobbying began, the word ‘arrhythmia’ was only mentioned once in the NSF; there were no guidelines dictating diagnosis, treatment or care for those with heart disorders relating to the ‘electrics’ of the heart.
Primarily due to awareness raising and lobbying activities and a successful reception in the Houses of Parliament, the new Chapter 8 on Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death was published in 2005.
Arrhythmia Alliance became a registered charity following the first Awareness Week to ensure that the Quality Requirements for diagnosis, treatment, care and support as written in the Chapter would be implemented across England.
The National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease was published in March 2000. As a result of the work of STARS, SADS UK and CMA the new chapter on “Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death” was published in February 2005.
STARS became affiliated to Arrhythmia Alliance in 2005.
National Service Framework, Chapter 8:
Markers of Good Practice – Initial Treatment
- Every patient presenting with an unexplained blackout should be given a 12-lead ECG (heart rhythm check). If there is uncertainty about diagnosis the ECG should be reviewed by a heart rhythm specialist.
- All patients receive a hard copy of the ECG documenting arrhythmia and a copy is placed in their records.
For further information download a summary of the National Service Framework for Arrhythmias & Sudden Cardiac Death. Click here to download your copy of the booklet.
Since the inception of the National Service Framework for Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death there have been further developments to continue the successes of the work of Chapter 8. The Cardiovascular Coalition (CVC) was created to support the progression of the services for the National Service Framework.