Join Us for an Evening Focused on Cardiac Quality, Innovation, and Best Practices
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The Virginia Cardiac Services Quality Initiative (VCSQI) invites cardiovascular professionals, healthcare leaders, surgeons, nurses, navigators, administrators, and quality specialists to join an upcoming meeting focused on improving patient outcomes and advancing excellence in cardiovascular care across Virginia.
This session will bring together clinical experts and healthcare innovators to discuss current priorities in cardiac quality improvement, review important performance data, and share practical strategies that healthcare teams can apply within their own organizations.
Board Highlights and Strategic Direction
Robert Lancey, MD, Chair of the VCSQI Board and cardiac surgeon at Sentara Norfolk, will open the evening with an inside look at the progress, priorities, and future direction of the Virginia Cardiac Services Quality Initiative (VCSQI). His presentation will highlight how collaboration across healthcare systems continues to strengthen cardiovascular quality and improve patient outcomes throughout the region.
Dr. Lancey will discuss recent VCSQI accomplishments and major initiatives shaping cardiac care across Virginia, while also addressing the challenges healthcare organizations face in an increasingly complex environment. Attendees will gain valuable insight into the evolving role of quality improvement in cardiovascular medicine, current system-wide priorities, and practical strategies for overcoming barriers to better care delivery and operational excellence.
This session will set the tone for an evening centered on innovation, collaboration, and meaningful conversations focused on improving cardiovascular care for patients across the region.
Turning Numbers into Better Patient Care
Eddie Fonner, VCSQI Executive Director & Chief Data Analyst, will lead an engaging discussion on how cardiovascular data is shaping the future of patient care across the region. Drawing from the latest trends in quality, outcomes, and cost performance, Eddie will highlight how healthcare teams can turn data into action by identifying opportunities for improvement, strengthening collaboration, and driving better results for patients.
The session will explore what current cardiovascular performance trends are revealing, where hospitals and care teams are finding opportunities to improve outcomes, and how data-driven decision-making can support smarter clinical and operational strategies. Attendees will also hear practical approaches for improving quality, efficiency, and overall care delivery across healthcare systems.
More than a review of metrics and scorecards, this presentation focuses on how meaningful insights can help organizations create measurable impact and deliver better care for every patient.
Best Practice Presentations
Atrial Fibrillation Prophylaxis
Postoperative atrial fibrillation remains one of the most common and challenging complications in cardiac surgery — and finding effective prevention strategies can make a significant difference in patient recovery and outcomes.
Dr. Dimitrios Pousios of UVA will share practical, evidence-based approaches to atrial fibrillation prophylaxis, highlighting strategies that are helping care teams reduce complications, improve postoperative management, and support smoother recoveries for cardiac patients.
This presentation will offer valuable clinical insight, real-world experience, and actionable best practices that attendees can bring back to their own programs and patient care teams.
Heart Surgery Navigator Patient Education Video
Preparing patients and families for heart surgery can have a major impact on confidence, communication, and overall outcomes. Cindi Cole and Cheryl Elkins of Centra Lynchburg will showcase an innovative patient education initiative through the Heart Surgery Navigator program designed to better support patients throughout their surgical journey.
Their presentation will highlight the development and implementation of patient education videos created to improve understanding, reduce anxiety, increase engagement, and help patients feel more prepared before surgery. Attendees will gain insight into how thoughtful, patient-centered communication tools can strengthen the overall care experience and support better outcomes for both patients and care teams.
Why Attend?
This meeting offers a valuable opportunity to:
Learn from experienced cardiovascular leaders and quality experts
Explore practical approaches to improving patient care
Review meaningful quality and performance data
Share ideas and best practices with peers across the region
Strengthen collaboration focused on advancing cardiovascular outcomes
Healthcare improvement happens when clinical expertise, quality data, and collaboration come together. This meeting is designed to support exactly that.
Register Today
Join colleagues from across Virginia for an engaging and informative session dedicated to advancing cardiovascular quality, innovation, and patient care excellence.
Looking Ahead: Fall Quarterly Meeting Preview
VCSQI continues to bring together cardiovascular leaders and healthcare teams from across the region to share ideas, highlight innovation, and advance patient care through collaboration and quality improvement.
Fall Quarterly Meeting — October 22, 2026 (In-Person)
The upcoming Fall Quarterly Meeting will feature Robert Lancey, MD, Chair of the VCSQI Board and cardiac surgeon at Sentara Norfolk, presenting on Patient-Centered Care. His session will explore how healthcare organizations can strengthen communication, improve the patient experience, and create care models that keep patients at the center of every decision.
Winter Quarterly Meeting — December 3, 2026 (Virtual)
Looking ahead to December, Jaitha Harris of Riverside will present on Hydration Protocols, sharing practical strategies and evidence-based approaches designed to support patient management, improve recovery, and enhance clinical outcomes.
More details and registration information for upcoming meetings will be announced soon.
These sessions continue VCSQI’s mission of fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and driving meaningful improvements in cardiovascular care across Virginia.
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