Join us for this accredited event.

Virginia Cardiac Services Quality Initiative Conference

Mission: Transforming Cardiovascular Care to Improve Patient Experience and Value

Summer Quarterly Meeting

Virtual - Zoom

Thursday, June 4, 2026

5:30-5:45 PM

Welcome and Highlights from the Board

Robert Lancey, MD, Sentara Norfolk

•Describe and assess recent achievements, initiatives, and the strategic direction of the Virginia Cardiac Services Quality Initiative (VCSQI) to understand its role in advancing cardiovascular care.

•Identify and evaluate key priorities and challenges in cardiac quality improvement and propose strategies for addressing barriers within healthcare systems.

5:45-6:15PM

Cost and Quality Data Review

Eddie Fonner, VCSQI Executive Director

•Explain the clinical significance of postoperative atrial fibrillation after CABG and evaluate evidence-based strategies for prevention.

•Assess the impact of a post-CABG atrial fibrillation prevention protocol using patient outcomes and quality improvement principles.

BEST PRACTICE PRESENTATIONS

6:15-6:45 PM

From 43% to 23%:

Implementing a Pharmaco-Surgical Protocol for Post-CABG Atrial Fibrillation Prevention

Dimitrios Pousios MD FETCS, Clinical Professor Cardiac Surgery,  UVA Health, 

Riverside Regional Medical Center

•Explain the clinical significance of postoperative atrial fibrillation after CABG and evaluate evidence-based strategies for prevention.

•Assess the impact of a post-CABG atrial fibrillation prevention protocol using patient outcomes and quality improvement principles.

6:45-7:30 PM

Enhancing Patient Education in Heart Surgery: A Patient Navigation and Education Class Model

Cindi Cole, BSN, RN and Cheryl Elkins, BSN, RN Centra Lynchburg

•Explore an innovative patient education approach designed to guide individuals through the cardiac surgery journey with greater understanding, preparation, and confidence

•Learn how structured education can improve patient expectations, engagement, and readiness for recovery5:30-5:45 PM

Learn how structured education can improve patient expectations, engagement, and readiness for recovery