An Internet-based program that helps determine an individual's risk of death, bleeding or restenosis taps a national cardiovascular database in its calculations. The well-informed program is part of a pilot on informed consent.
Nine U.S. hospitals are participating in the pilot. Each uses the new informed consent process for patients who need nonemergency cardiac catheterization and angioplasty.
The program is called Patient Refined Expectations for Deciding Invasive Cardiac Treatments (PREDICT). It connects physicians with the 10 million catheter-lab patient records housed in the American College of Cardiology's National Cardiovascular Data Registry.
PREDICT takes into account age and other factors to estimate the individual's risk profile. The program prompts cardiologists on alternatives and interventions that may reduce patient risk.
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