A primary care network reviews patients referred for exertional chest pain and finds wide variation in aspirin use, statin use, and referral urgency.

Question

A primary care network reviews patients referred for exertional chest pain and finds wide variation in aspirin use, statin use, and referral urgency. Several patients with high-risk symptoms waited weeks for evaluation. Leaders want a safer and more reliable process. Which of the following is the most appropriate quality improvement measure?

Accepted Answer

Create a standardized chest pain risk pathway with referral criteria

Answer

Refer every patient to the emergency department regardless of symptoms

Answer

Stop evaluating chest pain in primary care

Answer

Use patient preference as the sole triage factor

Answer

Tell clinicians to remember guidelines

Chest pain pathway — USMLE Step 3 MCQ