Translation of Rapid Early Action for Coronary Treatment (REACT) Materials for National Dissemination by the (NHAAP)

12-2. Increase the proportion of adults aged 20 years and older who are aware of the early warning symptoms and signs of a heart attack and the importance of accessing rapid emergency care by calling 9-1-1.



12-3. Increase the proportion of eligible patients with heart attacks who receive artery-opening therapy within an hour of symptom onset.

Early Recognition and Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Increase the percentage of the public, including specified target groups (e.g., women, minorities, etc.) and providers, who recognize the symptoms and signs of acute coronary syndromes and seek timely and appropriate evaluation and treatment.

The overall objective of this multilevel performance project is to modify selected intervention materials used in the REACT research program and to disseminate them to identified priority audiences through a variety of channels and strategic partnerships. This will serve to extend the reach of REACT messages and materials about early recognition and response to individuals with manifestations of a heart attack, based on lessons learned from REACT and NHAAP Coordinating Committee and advisory group recommendations.

REACT, a 4-year research program funded by the NHLBI, tested community education strategies to help reduce patient delay time in seeking care for heart attack symptoms. At the completion of the study, advisors to NHLBI's NHAAP recommended targeted dissemination of the REACT messages, materials, and strategies to individuals who are more likely to delay seeking treatment. These audiences include olders adults; women; certain minority groups; patients who are discharged from emergency departments or released from the hospital with a diagnosis of heart disease; and "communities at risk." The proposed project will focus on reaching these audiences through two major strategies: (1) revising/updating the REACT materials, creating a Web site, and implementing a marketing strategy to reach key intermediary groups and consumers/patients; and (2) forming selected partnerships to encourage and sustain use of REACT messages and materials at the community level. In implementing both of these strategies, emphasis will be given to reaching African Americans. For example, the consumer media activities described under the marketing strategy will focus on dissemination through communications vehicles and channels that reach African American audiences. The partnership strategies are aimed at making connections at the community level and also will be aimed at developing networks to deliver REACT messages to African Americans through their local hospitals and other community settings and groups.