MOBILE CARDIAC CARE UNITS IN KARACHI: A PATIENT-CENTERED EVALUATION OF EMERGENCY CARDIAC RESPONSE, SATISFACTION, AND HEALTHCARE ACCESSIBILITY

Abstract

Every second matters when a human heart begins to fail. In a city as crowded and unpredictable as Karachi, reaching a hospital during a cardiac emergency often becomes a race against traffic, distance, fear, and time itself. For many families, the difference between life and death is not the hospital building—it is the speed at which care arrives. Recognizing this urgent reality, the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) introduced Mobile Cardiac Care Units (MCCUs) across Karachi to provide rapid cardiac emergency care directly within communities.

This study explored how effectively these mobile units are functioning as an alternative to conventional hospital emergency rooms, particularly for patients suffering from Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 400 participants across multiple regions of Karachi through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics, reliability testing, correlation analysis, regression models, ANOVA, and paired-sample t-tests were applied to evaluate awareness, accessibility, timeliness, patient satisfaction, and public perception.

The findings revealed that awareness regarding MCCUs was remarkably high, with nearly 90% of respondents acknowledging familiarity with the service. However, awareness was primarily spread informally through family members, friends, and community networks rather than official public health campaigns. Accessibility findings demonstrated that although MCCUs are geographically close to many residents, barriers such as heavy traffic, mobility issues, and lack of formal guidance continue to limit ease of access.

Patient satisfaction emerged as strongly positive. Rapid response time, trained staff, quality care, and immediate treatment significantly influenced trust in MCCUs. Response time was identified as the strongest predictor of patient satisfaction (r = .779, p < .001). Most patients reported receiving treatment within ten minutes, highlighting the operational efficiency of the service.

The study further showed that participants perceived MCCUs as a more reliable and faster alternative to hospital emergency rooms during cardiac emergencies. Statistical comparisons confirmed a significant preference for mobile cardiac services over conventional emergency departments.

Despite these achievements, the study identified an important challenge: misuse of MCCUs for non-cardiac complaints due to poor public understanding. This finding emphasizes the urgent need for awareness campaigns, community education, and policy-level improvements.

Overall, the study concludes that NICVD’s Mobile Cardiac Care Units represent a transformative emergency healthcare model capable of reducing treatment delays, improving patient outcomes, and restoring public confidence in emergency cardiac care within resource-limited urban settings.