VCSQI–MCSQI Collaborative Workshop Recap
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Advancing Cardiac Surgery Data Management & Documentation
Recently, the Virginia Cardiac Services Quality Initiative (VCSQI) and the Maryland Cardiac
Surgery Quality Initiative (MCSQI) hosted a collaborative virtual workshop bringing together cardiac surgery data managers, clinicians, and quality leaders from across the country.
The session focused on strengthening STS documentation practices, improving data abstraction workflows, and enhancing registry data quality through shared learning and collaboration. Participants represented organizations from Virginia, Maryland, and beyond, demonstrating the growing national interest in collaborative quality improvement efforts.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop
Participants explored several practical strategies to improve cardiac surgery registry work, including:
Standardizing operative documentation to improve STS data accuracy and reduce abstraction time
Leveraging Epic templates and workflow tools to support consistent clinical documentation
Understanding updated STS risk scores and how they impact registry reporting
Strengthening communication between surgeons and data managers to improve documentation quality
Developing data management best practices to support long-term quality improvement initiatives
These discussions reinforced the important role that data managers and quality teams play in improving cardiovascular outcomes.
Featured Presentations
Erica Negrini – Health Catalyst
Erica shared an innovative approach to standardizing cardiac surgery operative documentation using Epic templated notes and smart phrases. Her work demonstrated how structured documentation can:
Improve abstraction accuracy
Reduce data queries to surgeons
Streamline registry workflows
Enhance communication across care teams
Terri Haber – MCSQI
Terri presented on the development of MCSQI Data Manager Tenets, a framework designed to support consistent data management practices across programs. These guidelines help improve:
Documentation workflows
Communication with surgeon champions
Registry data integrity
Operational efficiency for data managers
Mike Galvin – University of Virginia (UVA) / VCSQI
Mike discussed cardioplegia practices and perfusion considerations, highlighting clinical documentation elements that support accurate surgical data reporting and quality improvement efforts.
Sheila Fairless – Health Catalyst
Sheila provided an overview of new STS risk scores appearing in ARMUS, explaining how updated coefficients and risk calculations affect registry analytics and interpretation of surgical outcomes.
Amanda Rae – University of Maryland Medical Center
Amanda presented on enhanced recovery and volume resuscitation, sharing clinical insights into perioperative strategies that support improved patient recovery and better surgical outcomes.
Thank You to Our Planning Team
This workshop was made possible through the collaboration and leadership of:
Kim Berents – MCSQI
Judy Smith – University of Virginia / VCSQI
Darcy Trinko – Johns Hopkins / MCSQI
Terri Haber - MCSQI
Eddie Fonner - VCSQI
Sherri White - VCSQI
Their efforts ensured a highly engaging and informative session for participants.
Watch the Workshop Recording
If you were unable to attend or would like to revisit the presentations, the recording is now available.
Watch the recording here:🔗 https://youtu.be/55tqGLNVJ_k
Slides and additional resources will be made availability on the Quality Committee webpage.
Continuing the Collaboration
Events like this highlight the strength of collaboration between VCSQI and MCSQI and the shared commitment to improving cardiac surgery outcomes through high-quality data and evidence-based practice.
We look forward to continuing these collaborative learning opportunities in the future.
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