Lessons Learned from ACS NSQIP

Abstract

Surgical quality improvement came to the forefront of the American healthcare system beginning with the Veterans Affairs National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VA NSQIP) in the 1990s. Subsequent expansions and improvements led directly to the modern-day American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®), which has now recorded the outcomes of more than five millions surgical cases. Data have been shown to be reliable on multiple audits and validation studies. Enrollment has flourished, with more than 800 participating adult and pediatric centers. Robust engagement from the surgical community has led to significant improvement in the quality of care at participating hospitals, and these quality improvements have been shown to strengthen with time. Successful quality programs combine excellent local support, outstanding statistical analysis, and actionable feedback to hospitals in order to drive improvements in the quality of surgical care.