A Methodology for QI in the Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Procedure Involving Comparative Process Analysis

A regional registry for quality assurance and improvement: The Vascular Study Group of Northern New England (VSGNNE)

“…This technique has been effectively used by the NNECDSG to reduce mortality following CABG. 15 In addition to the landmark achievements of the NNECDSG, other successful registries have been developed. The Department of Veterans Affairs National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) is a model for providing risk-adjusted outcomes based on prospectively collected preoperative patient characteristics.…”

Outcomes analysis in cardiac surgery

“…In addition to collecting, analysing and comparing outcomes data, the group is undertaking a comparative process analysis of the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) system. 12 The The performance cycle shows the sequence of data collection, analysis, reporting of outcomes results, QI team study of the report and revision of processes. The results of the cycle are improvement in performance, increases in the effectiveness of care, increased satisfaction to patients, and lowered overall costs.…”

Every system is designed to get the results it gets

“…The datasets are validated regularly, and reports are distributed and discussed three times a year. Specific studies and site visits by multidisciplinary teams9 are used to generate and test hypotheses and effect changes in the processes of care 10. The participation of clinicians for over a decade has confirmed that they care deeply about the quality of care.…”