What is PULSE?
A VCSQI Guide to Achieving Excellence
PULSE is VCSQI’s signature quality improvement tool, developed to help cardiac programs and healthcare teams move from insight to implementation. Rooted in our core values of Performance, Unity, Learning, Strategy, and Equity, PULSE offers a structured approach to assess, align, and advance care across clinical and operational domains.
Whether you're working toward CMS goals, supporting internal QI initiatives, or simply improving coordination and outcomes, PULSE gives your team a roadmap to meaningful change.
What Does the PULSE Tool Include?
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An 8-domain assessment to identify organizational strengths and opportunities
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A standardized milestone scoring system (0–3)
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An action planning builder to turn gaps into goals
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Optional tracking of protocol implementation status
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Integration opportunities with VCSQI dashboards, coaching, and benchmarking
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Assessment Domains
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Post-Discharge Care & Readmissions
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Patient Navigation & Scheduling
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Social Drivers of Health
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Cardiac Rehab & Risk Factor Modification
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Surgical Episode Optimization
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Performance Engagement & Data
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Equity & Access to Care
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VCSQI Protocol Adoption
What Happens After Assessment?
Once your team completes the tool, you can:
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Develop a focused action plan using the PULSE Action Plan Builder
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Submit your plan to VCSQI for support, benchmarking, or collaboration opportunities
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Be considered for case study features, pilot programs, or quarterly meeting highlights
Get Started
🔹 Download the Tool
🔹 Submit your completed Action Plan
🔹 Schedule a coaching call with VCSQI
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👉 For questions, collaboration, macro-enabled file, or support, contact us at info@vcsqi.org