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Innovation and Inspiration: Highlights from the VCSQI Fall Quarterly Meeting

The Virginia Cardiac Services Quality Initiative (VCSQI) Fall Quarterly Meeting was an insightful and data-driven event, highlighting the organization's ongoing efforts to improve cardiovascular care. The meeting, led by Eddie Fonner, Executive Director and Sherri White, Quality Improvement Advisor, featured key updates, including the introduction of new board members and recognition of advancements in cardiovascular surgery efficiency metrics. The gathering covered a wide range of topics, from clinical data and research collaborations to diversity and inclusion efforts within the field.


Board Updates

The VCSQI Fall Quarterly Meeting also introduced several updates to its leadership team, with new roles and transitions announced for the upcoming year. These include:

  1. Dr. Ourania Preventza– Dr. Preventza, from the University of Virginia, has been appointed to the VCSQI Board of Directors and now chairs the Research and Writing Committee. Her leadership will be instrumental in guiding VCSQI's research efforts.

  2. Dr. Brody Wehman– Dr. Wehman, representing Bon Secours, has joined the VCSQI Board as a new board representative. His addition strengthens the organization's leadership with fresh perspectives and expertise.

  3. Mike Brown – Mike Brown, from Mary Washington, has taken over the position of VCSQI Treasurer. His role includes managing the organization's financial health and ensuring that resources are effectively allocated for VCSQI's continued growth.


These new appointments and transitions reflect VCSQI’s commitment to expanding its leadership and enhancing its strategic focus in cardiovascular care and quality improvement. The leadership changes are set to take full effect by the start of next year, with Dr. Lancey assuming the chairperson role from Dr. Cotter, ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities.


A notable development was the partnership with the University of Virginia’s School of Public Health, aiming to broaden research on the social determinants of health. By integrating these factors into cardiac care research, the collaboration seeks to uncover additional ways to improve patient outcomes, especially by analyzing underused data such as Z-codes for socioeconomic conditions.


Cost and Quality Data Review

Eddie presented critical metrics from clinical registries, such as average lengths of stay for cardiac patients and variations in vascular complications across different centers. Special emphasis was placed on developing protocols for quality improvement through workgroups and pilot projects, particularly within the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) population.


VHAC Updates

Sherri provided updates on the efforts taking place within the Virginia Heart Attack Coalition (VHAC), including details from a comprehensive SWOT analysis conducted earlier in the year. This analysis led to a rebranding initiative, new mission and vision statements, and increased efforts to recruit more centers into VCSQI. VHAC continues to expand its data collection and improve outcomes for heart attack patients across the Commonwealth.


ECMO in Focus: National Trends

Mike Gelvin, UVA, delivered an insightful presentation on ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), highlighting its evolution and impact in cardiovascular care. Once a last-resort treatment, ECMO has become a critical tool for patients with severe cardiac and respiratory failure, thanks to technological advancements and improved outcomes.


Mike shared national data showing the rising use of ECMO, reflecting its growing role in saving high-risk patients. VCSQI-affiliated hospitals are performing well compared to national benchmarks, but there's room to improve consistency by standardizing ECMO protocols across centers.


Looking ahead, Mike emphasized the need for further research and protocol development to optimize ECMO’s use. He also touched on the lessons learned from ECMO’s increased use during the COVID-19 pandemic, which will shape future practices.


ECMO continues to evolve, and VCSQI is committed to refining its use to improve patient outcomes in critical care settings.


Walking Towards Recovery: Promoting a Mobilization Culture for Patients with Femoral Lines

The presentation "Walking Towards Recovery: Promoting a Mobilization Culture for Patients with Femoral Lines" by Garry Gellert and Brent Mitchell, UVA, not only delivered crucial insights into the benefits of early mobilization for patients with femoral access lines but also left the audience in tears. Their powerful message shattered the common misconception that these patients must remain immobile, demonstrating how safe mobilization can lead to faster recovery and improved outcomes. Through personal stories and compelling data, Garry and Brent inspired a shift in clinical practice and deeply moved everyone in attendance.


VCSQI Fall Quarterly Meeting was a resounding success, offering a mix of groundbreaking insights, emotional moments, and a clear roadmap for the future of cardiac care. From Mike Gelvin’s data-driven analysis of ECMO to Garry and Brent’s powerful presentation on patient mobilization, the event showcased the organization’s unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovation, collaboration, and compassion.


As VCSQI continues to refine protocols, expand research, and embrace new technologies, it remains at the forefront of transforming cardiovascular care. The meeting left participants inspired and motivated to drive positive change in their own institutions, making it clear that the future of heart health is bright, and it’s a journey that everyone is walking together.




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