QUALITY INITITIAVES
VCSQI prides itself on the ongoing work developed through our collaborative. Through shared experiences, protocols, and the use of the VCSQI database, we have been successful in improving outcomes of cardiac patients across the Commonwealth.
READMISSION WORKGROUP
Tasked with updating the 2016 VCSQI Readmission Protocol, the Readmission Workgroup meets to shared practices to reduce readmission rates.
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Partnering with Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association
Champion(s): Robert Lancey, MD (Sentara)
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Click here to watch the recording of the May 10, 2023 info session.
PERFUSION GROUP
Perfusion focused workgroup designed to develop statewide protocols while sharing best practices by developing metrics.
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Champion(s): Evelyn Dallas, CCP (UVA).
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AKI WORKGROUP
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Over the past two years, VCSQI has identified an increasing trend in acute kidney injury in both cardiac surgery and cardiology procedures. In recognition of this trend, VCSQI convened a new workgroup to improve kidney function in the cardiac population. Via data analysis, current literature review, and surveying members of the VCSQI community, the group has drafted a comprehensive set of recommendations for mitigating AKI.
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The workgroup harnesses the perspective and experience of our heart experts to develop standardized approaches for combating AKI in all cardiac patients. This initiative presents a unique challenge and opportunity as one of the first collaborative efforts of VCSQI to improve outcomes across the continuum of care in cardiac services as a collective entity.
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Champion(s): Michael Brown, CCP (Mary Washington), Chris Sytsma, RN, MSN (Winchester),
Nick Teman, MD (UVA), and Kerry Prewitt, MD (Sentara)
QUALITY COMMITTEE
STS expert Data Managers meet monthly to work through case scenarios, engage in open FAQ discussions, and discuss best practices in terms of operations and data abstraction along side various cardiac program leaders.
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Champion(s): Judy Smith, RN (UVA)
CATHPCI DATA MANAGERS
ACC expert Data Managers meet monthly to work through case scenarios, engage in open FAQ discussions, and discuss best practices in terms of operations and data abstraction along side various cardiac program leaders.
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Champion(s): TBD
SHOCK INITIATIVE
Cardiogenic shock is a multifactorial, hemodynamically syndrome associated with high mortality rates. Despite advances in reperfusion and mechanical circulatory support, managing shock remains highly variable with poor outcomes. The Shock Management Workgroup was established to develop a standard of care for shock patients across the state and bridge the gap toward better outcomes for this population of patients. The Shock Workgroup has joined forces with VHAC and now hosts monthly meeting. Work continues to take place in developing a state-wide cardiogenic shock protocol and database.
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Partnering with Virginia Heart Attack Coalition
Champion(s): Behnam Tehrani, MD (Inova)
HEALTH CARE DISPARITIES
The Virginia Cardiac Services Quality Initiative (VCSQI) is committed to promoting and developing best practices that embody equity and inclusion within every aspect of the Heart Team approach to care. We are dedicated to enhancing the cultural competency of our members by recognizing, educating, and calling forth opportunities that further enhance the value of diverse cultures, beliefs, and identities. We strive for all patients in need to receive the care they require and will assist our member institutions in any way possible to overcome disparities in healthcare.
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Champion(s): TBD
STEMI DATABASE
Statewide STEMI registry: in partnership with the Virginia Heart Attack Coalition (VHAC), we are working to re-blend data from the ACC CP-MI and AHA GWTG registries to provide hospitals with regional, and state-level benchmarks to improve STEMI care.