Public Reporting of Congenital Heart Surgery Outcomes: Counting Numbers, Caring for Patients

Abstract

The purpose of public reporting is to provide transparency and accountability so that patients and their families can make informed choices. Our ability to assess and publicly report quality in congenital cardiac surgery is constrained by the available data and statistical techniques. Efforts should be directed toward collecting and evaluating information that provides a broad picture of what makes a high-quality program. For public reporting to succeed, the outcomes presented must be accessible, relevant, and understandable.