Long-term Impact of the Implementation of a Syncope Unit: 14 Years of Care Optimization

Abstract Syncope, a prevalent cause of emergency department (ED) visits, often triggers unnecessary hospitalizations due to its intricate management. In recent years, dedicated syncope units (SUs) have emerged, initially showing a reduction in admission rates compared to traditional approaches. These abstract aims to convey the extended impact of implementing a specialized Syncope Unit (SU) within a hospital setting over 14 years. This prospective study examines SU outcomes over the first 14 years of operation, with a specific focus on admission rates. Between 2005 and 2019, our hospital's ED handled 1,835,219 visits, with 16,516 (8.9%) related to syncope. On average, 1,101±60 syncope patients received attention annually, with a slight decrease over the study period. The SU evaluated a total of 3,225 patients, averaging 215±31 patients per year. Notably, the number of SU patients remained consistent, while the number of hospitalized patients steadily declined from 40% in 2005 to 15% in 2019. In conclusion, the implementation of the SU led to a substantial and sustained reduction in the admission rate for syncope patients, showcasing a lasting positive impact on syncope management within the ED. This positive impact could also be due to indirect benefits resulting from the creation of the SU.