IngentaConnect Cardiovascular Centers of Excellence Program: A System Approach f...

Authors: Brown, Phillip P.; Houser, Frank; Kugelmass, Aaron D.; Anderson, Allan L.; Tarkington, Lynn G.; Simon, April W.; Culler, Steven D.

Source: Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, Volume 33, Number 11, November 2007 , pp. 647-659(13)

Publisher: Joint Commission Resources

Abstract:

Background: A voluntary continuous quality improvement (CQI) effort, the cardiovascular Centers of Excellence (COE) program was implemented by HCA, Inc., to improve cardiovascular care in its hospital system.

Methods: The cardiovascular COE program targeted 165 hospitals that provide cardiovascular services in at least one major service area. Awards (unrestricted grants) provided hospitals with an incentive to participate.

Results: One hundred fifty-eight hospitals (95.8%) completed the entire 2005 cardiovascular COE program; five were identified as cardiovascular COE. The program developed three key CQI activities: (1) an ongoing Web-based survey to inventory, track, and verify evidence-based practices across all aspects of patient care, including clinical practices, leadership, communications, patient safety, and patient education; (2) quarterly benchmark reports tracking risk-adjusted outcomes and evidence-based practices; and (3) regularly scheduled educational programs presented by an interdisciplinary team in which lessons learned from an institution's successful, evidence-based, best-practice implementation were discussed.

Discussion: The COE program successfully encouraged facilities to proactively investigate their evidence-based clinical standards and outcomes.

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Cardiovascular Centers of Excellence Program: A System Approach for Improving the Care and Outcomes of Cardiovascular Patients at HCA Hospitals