Areas For Quality Improvement Initiatives Research Articles

Increasing access to quality care for pregnant and postpartum people with opioid use disorder: Coordination of services, provider awareness and training, extended postpartum coverage, and perinatal quality collaboratives

IntroductionFifteen states participating in the Opioid Use Disorder, Maternal Outcomes, and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Initiative Learning Community (OMNI LC) developed action plan goals and activities to address the rise in opioid use disorder (OUD) among birthing persons. In a separate initiative, Perinatal Quality Collaboratives (PQCs) from 12 states participating in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-supported activities hosted trainings to improve the provision of OUD services and implement protocols for screening and treatment in delivery facilities. MethodsThis descriptive study synthesizes qualitative data extracted from 15 OMNI LC state action plans, excerpts from qualitative interviews conducted with OMNI LC state teams, and quantitative data from quarterly project performance monitoring reports from 12 CDC-funded PQCs implementing quality improvement activities to address clinical service gaps for pregnant and postpartum people with OUD. Qualitative data were deidentified, coded as barriers or facilitators, then aggregated into emergent themes. Count data are presented for quantitative results. ResultsThe OMNI LC states identified a lack of coordinated care among providers, stigma toward people with OUD, discontinued insurance coverage, and inconsistencies in screening and treating birthing people with OUD as barriers to accessing quality care. State-identified facilitators for access to quality care included: 1) improving engagement and communication between providers and other partners to integrate medical and behavioral health services post-discharge, and facilitate improved patient care postpartum; 2) training providers to prescribe medications for OUD, and to address bias and reduce patient stigma; 3) extending Medicaid coverage up to one year postpartum to increase access to and continuity of services; and 4) implementing screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) in clinical practice. PQCs demonstrated that increased provider trainings to treat OUD, improvements in implementation of standardized protocols, and use of evidence-based tools can facilitate access to and coordination of services in delivery facilities. ConclusionState-identified facilitators for increasing access to care include coordinating integrated services, extending postpartum coverage, and provider trainings to improve screening and treatment. PQCs provide a platform for identifying emerging areas for quality improvement initiatives and implementing clinical best practices to provide comprehensive, quality perinatal care for birthing populations.

89 Mapping the development of education to implement National Clinical Guideline: appropriate prescribing of psychotropic medication for non-cognitive symptoms of dementia

Abstract Background National Clinical Guideline No. 21 (NCG No. 21; ‘Appropriate prescribing of psychotropic medication for non-cognitive symptoms in people with dementia’) was published by the Department of Health in 2019. The National Dementia Office secured funding through the Health Service Executive National Service Plan to implement NCG No. 21. Methods The implementation programme for NCG No. 21 encompasses three work packages; communication and engagement, education and training, and evaluation. As part of work package two, a multi-component education package (encapsulating Facilitator education, an eLearning module and other resources) has been developed for relevant staff. This is currently being rolled out in a number of settings. An audit tool has been developed and adapted for use across settings. Process mapping of the development process of the education package was completed. Results It is hoped that the education package will further increase awareness of the guideline as well as embed the guideline across settings and improve the management of dementia. Audit tools and associated activities to assess compliance with the guideline will contribute to improved quality of care and will enable identification of areas for quality improvement initiatives. Process mapping outlines the various stakeholders and stages involved in the development process. Learning to date from the development of the education package, through process mapping, is presented, highlighting particular facilitators and challenges which were experienced. Conclusion Process mapping of the development of the education package to implement NCG No. 21 has provided valuable learning for continued roll-out, as well as for the development and roll-out of other education packages.

Comparison of care and outcomes for myocardial infarction by heart failure status between United Kingdom and Japan.

Prognosis for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is worse when heart failure is present on admission. Understanding clinical practice in different health systems can identify areas for quality improvement initiatives to improve outcomes. In the absence of international comparison studies, we aimed to compare treatments and in-hospital outcomes of patients admitted with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) by heart failure status in two healthcare-wide cohorts. We used two nationwide databases to capture admissions with STEMI in the United Kingdom (Myocardial ischemia National Audit Project, MINAP) and Japan (Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases-Diagnostic Procedure Combination, JROAD-DPC) between 2012 and 2017. Participants were stratified using the HF Killip classification into three groups; Killip 1: no congestive heart failure, Killip 2-3: congestive heart failure, Killip 4: cardiogenic shock. We calculated crude rate and case mix standardized risk ratios (CSRR) for use of treatments and in-hospital death. Patients were younger in the United Kingdom (65.4 [13.6] vs. 69.1 [13.0] years) and more likely to have co-morbidities in the United Kingdom except for diabetes and hypertension. Japan had a higher percentage of heart failure and cardiogenic shock patients among STEMI during admission than that in the United Kingdom. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) rates were lower in the United Kingdom compared with Japan, especially for patients presenting with Killip 2-3 class heart failure (pPCI use in patients with Killip 1, 2-3, 4: Japan, 86.2%, 81.7%, 78.7%; United Kingdom, 79.6%, 58.2% and 79.9%). In contrast, beta-blocker use was consistently lower in Japan than in the United Kingdom (61.4% vs. 90.2%) across Killip classifications and length of hospital stay longer (17.0 [9.7] vs. 5.0 [7.4] days). The crude rate of in-hospital mortality increased with increasing Killip class group. Both the crude rate and CSRR was higher in the United Kingdom compared with Japan for Killip 2-3 (15.8% vs. 6.4%, CSRR 1.80 95% CI 1.73-1.87, P<0.001), and similar for Killip 4 (36.9% vs. 36.3%, CSRR 1.11 95% CI 1.08-1.13, P<0.001). Important differences in the care and outcomes for STEMI with heart failure exist between the United Kingdom and Japan. Specifically, in the United Kingdom, there was a lower rate of pPCI, and in Japan, fewer patients were prescribed beta blockers and hospital length of stay was longer. This international comparison can inform targeted quality improvement programmes to narrow the outcome gap between health systems.

Public Reporting of Adverse Events From Long-Term Care Facilities for Older Persons and People With Disability in Ireland 2013-2019: Development of an Openly Accessible Database and Descriptive Analyses.

To describe the development of an analyzable database of statutory notifications received from long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and to describe trends in receipt of notifications from 2013 to2019. Description of database development with descriptive and trend analyses. LTCFs for older persons and for people with disability in Ireland. Data on notifications received and on centers were extracted from a system internal to the health and social services regulator and combined into an analyzable database. Variables were screened for personal information, cleaned, transformed, or redacted and combined into a database suitable for open access publication. Descriptive analyses of the volume of notifications, trends over time and breakdown by service type, notification type, and risk-rating were conducted. The Database of Statutory Notifications from Social Care in Ireland was developed and an open access version published in February 2021. Protection of personal data was an important consideration in publishing the data publicly. Uses of the database include examination of national trends and identification of determinants of adverse events and areas for quality improvement. The number of notifications received increased over time. Quarterly notifications contributed to the largest proportion of notifications (older persons, 36.7%; disability, 39.1%). This was followed by serious injury notifications in LTCFs for older persons (33.3%) and abuse allegation notifications in LTCFs for people with disability (36.0%). Less than 1% of individual notifications were risk-rated red (highest severity level of impact on resident welfare). The types of notifications that were collectively risk-rated highest were staff misconduct, abuse allegations, and outbreaks of infectious disease. The methodology and findings can inform publications of notifications, planning and resourcing for receipt and submission of notifications, target areas for quality improvement initiatives, mandating of timelines for receipt of notifications, and the mandating of notifications in legislation.

Patient-reported experience platform identifies discordance between guidelines and real-world practice: Maintenance therapy for high-risk multiple myeloma.

e20022 Background: Patient-reported data play a critical role in assessing clinical benefit from therapeutic interventions and are increasingly used in clinical trials. Internet-based platforms such as HealthTree Cure Hub for Multiple Myeloma ( www.healthtree.org ) provide the opportunity to obtain such real-world patient-reported data, while also providing valuable insights into high-yield areas to focus on quality-improvement efforts. For example, proteasome inhibitor (PI)-based maintenance after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a consensus recommendation in many practice guidelines for high-risk multiple myeloma (MM) yet real-world adherence to this practice remains uncertain (PMID 23541011, 30932732). Methods: We examined post-ASCT maintenance therapy in patients with high-risk MM, as defined per mSMART criteria, using patient-reported treatment data from the HealthTree Cure Hub for Multiple Myeloma database. Patients who received an ASCT prior to 2014 were excluded. Results: Our analysis identified 110 MM patients with high-risk MM. Of those, only 48 (44%) received PI-based maintenance therapy. Additionally, 60 (55%) received IMiD (immunomodulatory imide drug) maintenance, 1 (&lt; 1%) received ‘other’, and 1 (&lt; 1%) did not report maintenance therapy. Conclusions: The benefits of PI-based maintenance in MM are well established for high-risk MM. However, analysis of patient-reported data using an online patient portal, HealthTree Cure Hub for Multiple Myeloma, suggests a disparity between practice recommendations and real-world practice patterns. These findings, and others from online patient portals, can serve as a springboard in helping investigators to identify areas for quality-improvement initiatives.

Analysis of Suicides Reported as Adverse Events in Psychiatry Resulted in Nine Quality Improvement Initiatives

Background: The majority of persons who die by suicide have a mental disorder. Preventive strategies should include addressing social and psychological factors and the treatment of the mental disorder. Aim: We aimed to identify breaches in clinical care and identify areas for quality improvement initiatives. Method: An aggregate analysis of suicides reported as adverse events during 2012-2016 to Psychiatry, North Denmark Region was carried out. We developed an audit chart and identified items through (a) medical chart review and (b) consensus meetings in an expert panel. Results: A total of 35 cases were analyzed. Suicide risk assessments were adequately documented in the medial chart in six of 35 cases. Risk assessments emphasized suicidal ideation rather than well-known risk factors such as previous suicide attempts, substance abuse, physical illness, or job loss. Relatives were involved in four of 35 of the risk assessments. The panel suggested nine areas for quality improvement. Limitations: Most people who die by suicide are not seen in mental health facilities prior to suicide, and hence conclusions can only be generalized to these patients. Information on the gap between "Work-as-Done" and "Work-As-Imagined" was not recognized. Conclusion: Most of the risk assessments among suicides reported as adverse events to our mental health facilities were insufficient. Quality improvement initiatives focusing on training, documentation, involving relatives, communication, and data sharing must be planned to improve clinical care.

From Little Things Big Things Grow: The Development of an Auditing Program to Assess the Quality of Antimicrobial Prescribing

Background: An important aspect of antimicrobial stewardship is the qualitative assessment of antimicrobial prescribing. Owing to lack of standardized tools and resources required to design, conduct and analyze qualitative audits, these assessments are rarely performed. Objective: We designed an audit tool that was appropriate for all Australian hospital types, suited to local user requirements and including an assessment of the appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing. Methods: In 2011, a pilot survey was conducted in 32 Australian hospitals to assess the usability and generalizability of a qualitative audit tool. The tool was revised to reflect the respondents’ feedback. A second study was performed in 2012 in 85 hospitals. In 2013, following further feedback and refinement, an online auditing tool, the Hospital National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS), was developed. Early audits demonstrated that surgical prophylaxis had the highest rates of inappropriate prescribing. In 2016, the Surgical NAPS was developed to further investigate reasons for this, and the NAPS program was further expanded to audit antimicrobial prescribing practices in Australian aged-care homes (ie, the Aged Care NAPS). Results: Between January 1, 2013, and November 12, 2019, 523 Australian public and private hospitals (53.8%) utilized the Hospital NAPS; 215 (22.1%) have utilized the Surgical NAPS; and 774 of Australian aged-care homes (29.0%) have utilized the Aged Care NAPS. National reporting has identified key target areas for quality improvement initiatives at both local and national levels. The following initiatives have been outlined in 14 public reports: improved documentation; prolonged antimicrobial prophylaxis; compliance with prescribing guidelines; appropriateness of prescribing; access to evidence-based guidelines; and improved microbiology sampling. Conclusions: By utilizing the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle for healthcare improvement and by involving end users in the design and evaluation, we have created a practical and relevant auditing program to assess both quantitative and qualitative aspects of antimicrobial prescribing in a wide range of settings. This voluntary program is now endorsed by the National Strategy for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance, partners with the Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Australian Surveillance System, and is utilized by facilities to meet mandatory national accreditation standard requirements. With the success of the NAPS program in Australia, it has now been implemented in New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Fiji, and Bhutan, with plans for other countries to implement the program soon. Current research is being conducted to expand the program to include audits for family physicians, veterinarians, and remote indigenous communities, and for antifungal use.Disclosures: NoneFunding: None

Quality of Chronic Kidney Disease Management in Canadian Primary Care

Although patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are routinely managed in primary care settings, no nationally representative study has assessed the quality of care received by these patients in Canada. To evaluate the current state of CKD management in Canadian primary care practices to identify care gaps to guide development and implementation of national quality improvement initiatives. This cross-sectional study leveraged Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network data from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2015, to develop a cohort of 46 162 patients with CKD managed in primary care practices. Data analysis was performed from August 8, 2018, to July 31, 2019. The study examined the proportion of patients with CKD who met a set of 12 quality indicators in 6 domains: (1) detection and recognition of CKD, (2) testing and monitoring of kidney function, (3) use of recommended medications, (4) monitoring after initiation of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), (5) management of blood pressure, and (6) monitoring for glycemic control in those with diabetes and CKD. The study also analyzed associations of divergence from these quality indicators. The cohort comprised 46 162 patients (mean [SD] age, 69.2 [14.0] years; 25 855 [56.0%] female) with stage 3 to 5 CKD. Only 4 of 12 quality indicators were met by 75% or more of the study cohort. These indicators were receipt of an outpatient serum creatinine test within 18 months after confirmation of CKD, receipt of blood pressure measurement at any time during follow-up, achieving a target blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or lower, and receiving a hemoglobin A1c test for monitoring diabetes during follow-up. Indicators in the domains of detection and recognition of CKD, testing and monitoring of kidney function (specifically, urine albumin to creatinine ratio testing), use of recommended medications, and appropriate monitoring after initiation of treatment with ACEIs or ARBs were not met. Only 6529 patients (18.4%) with CKD received a urine albumin test within 6 months of CKD diagnosis, and 3954 (39.4%) had a second measurement within 6 months of an abnormal baseline urine albumin level. Older age (≥85 years) and CKD stage 5 were significantly associated with not satisfying the criteria for the quality indicators across all domains. Across age categories, younger patients (aged 18-49 years) and older patients (≥75 years) were less likely to be tested for albuminuria (314 of 1689 patients aged 18-49 years [18.5%], 1983 of 11 919 patients aged 75-84 years [61.6%], and 614 of 5237 patients aged ≥85 years [11.7%] received the urine albumin to creatinine ratio test within 6 months of initial estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2; P < .001). Patients aged 18 to 49 years were less commonly prescribed recommended medications (222 of 2881 [7.7%]), whereas patients aged 75 to 84 years were prescribed ACEIs or ARBs most frequently (2328 of 5262 [44.2%]; P < .001). The findings suggest that management of CKD across primary care practices in Canada varies according to quality indicator. This study revealed potential priority areas for quality improvement initiatives in Canadian primary care practices.

Post-Operative Infections: Trends in Distribution, Risk Factors, and Clinical and Economic Burdens.

Post-operative infection (POI) is a serious complication in all surgical disciplines and can derail a patient's treatment and recovery course. In this analysis, we examine national trends, risk factors, and costs associated with POI. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for the years available for data analysis at the time of this study (2003-2010), we performed a cross-sectional study of adult (≥18 years) inpatients with POI and designated Clinical Classification Software (CCS) procedural class codes for the operations performed. A comparison group was selected randomly from patients with the same CCS codes who underwent the same procedures but did not experience POI. As the NIS represents 20% of U.S. hospital admissions, excess cost and stay were calculated on the basis of the average difference between cost and duration of stay for POI cases and the cost and duration of stay for the comparison group, then extrapolated to estimate the national burden for the remaining 80% of stays nationwide. Sample admissions included 139,652 cases of POI and 941,670 comparison subjects. The POIs were most common in procedures involving the digestive tract (46.5%), cardiovascular system (16.3%), or musculoskeletal system (11.2%). Older age, male gender, high Charlson Comorbidity Index Score (CCIS), and teaching, urban, or large hospitals were independent risk factors for POI in the multivariable model (p < 0.05). A POI was associated with a higher risk of death (odds ratio 2.93; 95% confidence interval 2.82-3.04, p < 0.001). Nationally, we estimate that POI resulted in an annual average of 1.04 million days of excess hospital stay and $2.72 billion excess cost. Identification of independent risk factors suggests areas for quality improvement initiatives. Post-operative infection carries substantial clinical and financial burdens in the United States, and further analysis of the associated costs is needed to identify areas for intervention to reduce this burden.

Of 20,376 Lumbar Discectomies, 2.6% of Patients Readmitted Within 30 Days: Surgical Site Infection, Pain, and Thromboembolic Events Are the Most Common Reasons for Readmission.

A retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data. As an initial effort to address readmissions after lumbar discectomy, reasons for hospital readmission are identified and discussed. Lumbar discectomy is a commonly performed procedure. The Affordable Care Act codifies penalties for hospital readmissions. New quality-based reimbursements tied to readmissions call for a better understanding of the causes of readmission after procedures such as lumbar discectomy. Lumbar discectomies performed in 2012 to 2014 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patient demographics, surgical variables, and reasons for readmissions within 30 days were recorded. Pearson chi square was used to compare rates of demographics and surgical variables between readmitted and nonreadmitted patients. Multivariate regression was used to identify risk factors for readmission. Of 20,376 lumbar discectomies, 533 patients (2.62%) were readmitted within 30 days of surgery. The most common reasons for readmission were surgical site infections (n = 130, 0.64% of all discectomies, 24.4% of all readmissions), followed by pain issues (n = 89, 0.44%, 16.7%), and thromboembolic events (43, 0.21%, 8.1%). Overall time to readmission was 13.0 ± 8.0 days (mean ± standard deviation). Factors most associated with readmission after lumbar discectomy were higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class (relative risk = 1.49, P < 0.001) and prolonged operative time (relative risk = 1.41, P = 0.002). Surgical site infection, postoperative pain, and thromboembolic events were the most common reasons for readmission after lumbar discectomy. These findings identify potential areas for quality improvement initiatives. 3.

Regional Variation in Postoperative Myocardial Infarction in Patients Undergoing Vascular Surgery in the United States

The aim of this study is to assess for regional variation in the incidence of postoperative myocardial infarction (POMI) following nonemergent vascular surgery across the United States to identify potential areas for quality improvement initiatives. We evaluated POMI rates across 17 regional Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) groups that comprised 243 centers with 1,343 surgeons who performed 75,057 vascular operations from 2010 to 2014. Four procedures were included in the analysis: carotid endarterectomy (CEA, n=39,118), endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair (EVAR, n=15,106), infrainguinal bypass (INFRA, n=17,176), and open infrarenal AAA repair (OAAA, n=3,657). POMI was categorized by the method of diagnosis as troponin-only or clinical/ECG and rates were investigated in regions with ≥100 consecutive cases. Regions with significantly different POMI rates were defined as those >1.5 interquartile lengths beyond the 75th percentile of the distribution. Risk-adjusted rates of POMI were assessed using the VQI Cardiac Risk Index all-procedures prediction model to compare the observed versus expected rates for each region. Overall rates of POMI varied by procedure type: CEA 0.8%, EVAR 1.1%, INFRA 2.7%, and OAAA 4.2% (P<0.001). Significant variation in POMI rates was observed between regions, resulting in differing ranges of POMI rates for each procedure: CEA 0.5-2.0% (P=0.001), EVAR 0.3-3.1% (P<0.001), INFRA 1.1-4.8% (P<0.001), and OAAA 2.2-10.0% (P<0.001). A single region in 3 of the 4 procedure-specific datasets was identified as a statistical outlier with a significantly higher POMI rate after CEA, EVAR, and OAAA; this region was identical for the EVAR and OAAA datasets but was a different region for the CEA dataset. No significant variation in POMI was noted between regions after INFRA. Procedure-specific clinical POMI rates (mean; range) were significantly different between regions for EVAR (0.4%; 0-1.1%, P=0.01) and INFRA (1.4%; 0.5-2.9%, P=0.01), but not for CEA (0.4%; 0-0.8%, P=0.53) or OAAA (1.6%; 0-3.8%, P=0.23). Procedure-specific troponin-only POMI rates (mean; range) were significantly different between regions for all procedures: CEA (0.4%; 0.1-1.2%, P<0.001), EVAR (0.7%; 0-2.1%, P<0.001), INFRA (1.3%; 0.4-2.5%, P=0.001), and OAAA (2.5%; 0-8.5%, P<0.001). After risk adjustment, regional variation was again noted with 3 regions having higher and 4 regions having lower than expected rates of POMI. Significant variation in POMI rates following major vascular surgery exists across VQI regions even after risk adjustment. These findings may present an opportunity for focused regional quality improvement efforts.

Significant regional variation exists in morbidity and mortality after repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm

ObjectiveLimited data exist comparing perioperative morbidity and mortality after open and endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair (EVAR) among regions of the United States. This study evaluated the regional variation in mortality and perioperative outcomes after repair of AAAs. MethodsThe Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) was used to identify patients undergoing open AAA repair and EVAR between 2009 and 2014. Ruptured and intact aneurysms were evaluated separately, and the analysis of intact aneurysms was limited to infrarenal AAAs. All 16 regions of the VQI were deidentified, and those with <100 open repairs were combined to eliminate the effect of low-volume regions. Regional variation was evaluated using χ2 and Fisher exact tests. Regional rates were compared against current quality benchmarks. ResultsPerioperative outcomes from 14 regions were compared. After open repair of intact aneurysms, no significant variation was seen in 30-day or in-hospital mortality; however, multiple regions exceeded the Society for Vascular Surgery benchmark for in-hospital mortality after open repair of intact aneurysms of <5% (range, 0%-7%; P = .55). After EVAR, all regions met the Society for Vascular Surgery benchmark of <3% (range, 0%-1%; P = .75). Significant variation in in-hospital mortality existed after open (14%-63%; P = .03) and endovascular (3%-32%; P = .03) repair of ruptured aneurysms across the VQI regional groups. After repair of intact aneurysms, wide variation was seen in prolonged length of stay (>7 days for open repair: 32%-53%, P = .54; >2 days for EVAR: 16-43%, P < .01), transfusion (open: 10%-35%, P < .01; EVAR: 7%-18%, P < .01), use of vasopressors (open: 19%-37%, P < .01; EVAR: 3%-7%, P < .01), and postoperative myocardial infarction (open: 0%-13%, P < .01; EVAR: 0%-3%, P < .01). After open repair, worsening renal function (6%-18%; P = .04) and respiratory complications (6%-20%; P = .20) were variable across regions. The frequency of endoleak at completion of EVAR also had considerable variation (15%-38%; P < .01). ConclusionsDespite limited variation, multiple regions do not meet current benchmarks for in-hospital mortality after open AAA repair for intact aneurysms. Significant regional variation exists in perioperative outcomes and length of stay, and mortality is widely variable after repair for rupture. These data identify important areas for quality improvement initiatives and clinical practice guidelines.

Adherence to Measuring What Matters Items When Caring for Patients With Hematologic Malignancies Versus Solid Tumors

ContextMeasuring What Matters (MWM) prioritizes quality measures in palliative care practice. Hematologic malignancy patients are less likely to access palliative care, yet little is known about their unique needs. Differences in MWM adherence may highlight opportunities to improve palliative care in hematology. ObjectivesTo assess adherence to MWM measures by palliative care clinicians caring for patients with hematologic malignancies, compared to those with solid tumors. MethodsWe used the Quality Data Collection Tool to assess completion of MWM measures across nine sites. ResultsWe included data from 678 patients' first visits and various care settings; 64 (9.4%) had a hematologic malignancy, whereas 614 (90.6%) had a solid tumor. Hematology patients were more likely to be seen in a hospital (52 or 81.3% vs. 420 or 68%), whereas solid tumor patients were more frequently seen at home or in clinics (160 or 26% vs. 7 or 10.9%). Of the nine MWM measures we assessed, high adherence (>90%) was seen regardless of tumor type in measures #3 (Pain Treatment), #7 (Spiritual Concerns), #8 (Treatment Preferences), and #9 (Care Consistent With Preferences). Clinicians seeing hematology patients were significantly less likely to meet measures #2 (Screening for Physical Symptoms; 57.8% vs. 84.2%, P < 0.001), and #5 (Discussion of Emotional Needs; 56.3% vs. 70.0%, P = 0.03). ConclusionMWM adherence regarding symptom assessment and meeting emotional needs was lower for patients with hematologic malignancies compared to those with solid tumors. This finding suggests two key areas for quality improvement initiatives in palliative care for patients with hematologic malignancies.

Low Use of Oral Anticoagulant Prescribing for Secondary Stroke Prevention: Results From the Ontario Stroke Registry.

Oral anticoagulation reduces the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation but is often underused. To identify factors associated with oral anticoagulant prescribing and adherence after stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Retrospective cohort study using linked Ontario Stroke Registry and prescription claims data. Consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke/TIA admitted to 11 stroke centers in Ontario, Canada between 2003 and 2011. We used modified Poisson regression models to determine predictors of anticoagulant prescribing and multiple logistic regression to determine predictors of 1-year adherence. Of the 5781 patients in the study cohort, 4235 (73%) were prescribed oral anticoagulants at discharge. Older patients were less likely to receive anticoagulation [adjusted relative risk (aRR) for each additional year=0.997; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.995-0.998], as were those with TIA compared with ischemic stroke (aRR=0.904; 95% CI, 0.865-0.945), prior gastrointestinal bleed (aRR=0.778; 95% CI, 0.693-0.873), dementia (aRR=0.912; 95% CI, 0.856-0.973), and those from a long-term care facility (aRR=0.810; 95% CI, 0.737-0.891). After limiting the sample to those without obvious contraindications to anticoagulation, age, dementia, and long-term care residence continued to be associated with lower prescription of oral anticoagulants. One-year adherence to therapy was similar across most patient groups. Age, dementia, and long-term care residence are predictors of lower oral anticoagulant use for secondary stroke prevention and represent key target areas for quality improvement initiatives.

Correlates of Repeat Lipid Testing in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease

Understanding the frequency and correlates of redundant lipid testing could identify areas for quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency of cholesterol care in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). To determine the frequency and correlates of repeat lipid testing in patients with CHD who attained low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals and received no treatment intensification. We assessed the proportion of patients with LDL-C levels of less than 100 mg/dL and no intensification of lipid-lowering therapy who underwent repeat lipid testing during an 11-month follow-up period. We performed logistic regression analyses to evaluate facility, provider, and patient characteristics associated with repeat testing. In total, we analyzed 35,191 patients with CHD in a Veterans Affairs network of 7 medical centers with associated community-based outpatient clinics. Frequency and correlates of repeat lipid testing in patients having CHD with LDL-C levels of less than 100 mg/dL and no further treatment intensification with lipid-lowering therapies. Of 27,947 patients with LDL-C levels of less than 100 mg/dL, 9200 (32.9%) had additional lipid assessments without treatment intensification during the following 11 months (12 ,686 total additional panels; mean, 1.38 additional panel per patient). Adjusting for facility-level clustering, patients with a history of diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 1.16; 95% CI, 1.10-1.22), a history of hypertension (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.13-1.30), higher illness burden (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.23-1.57), and more frequent primary care visits (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.25-1.39) were more likely to undergo repeat testing, whereas patients receiving care at a teaching facility (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.69-0.80) or from a physician provider (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.98) and those with a medication possession ratio of 0.8 or higher (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.71-0.80) were less likely to undergo repeat testing. Among 13,114 patients who met the optional LDL-C target level of less than 70 mg/dL, repeat lipid testing was performed in 8177 (62.4% of those with LDL-C levels of <70 mg/dL) during 11 follow-up months. One-third of patients having CHD with LDL-C levels at goal underwent repeat lipid panels. Our results highlight areas for quality improvement initiatives to reduce redundant lipid testing. These efforts would be more important if the forthcoming cholesterol guidelines adopt a medication dose-based approach in place of the current treat-to-target approach.

Frequency and correlates of treatment intensification for elevated cholesterol levels in patients with cardiovascular disease

Although current performance measures define low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels <100 mg/dL in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) as good quality, they provide a snapshot and do not address whether treatment intensification was performed to manage elevated LDL-C levels. We determined the proportion of patients with CVD (n = 22,888) with LDL-C <100 mg/dL and the proportion with uncontrolled LDL-C levels (≥100 mg/dL) who received treatment intensification within the 45-day follow-up in a Veterans Affairs Network. We evaluated facility, provider, and patient correlates of treatment intensification. Low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels were at goal in 16,350 (71.4%) patients. An additional 2,093 (one third of those eligible for treatment intensification) received treatment intensification. Controlling for clustering between facilities and patient's illness severity: history of diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 1.15, 95% CI 1.01-1.32), hypertension (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01-1.42), good medication adherence (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.91-2.54), and a higher number of lipid panels (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.14-1.27) were associated with treatment intensification. Patients older than 75 years (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.56-0.75) and women (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.43-1.00) were less likely to receive treatment intensification. Teaching status of the facility, physician or specialist primary care provider, and patient's race were not associated with treatment intensification. Only one third of the CVD patients with elevated LDL-C received treatment intensification. Diabetic and hypertensive patients were more likely to receive treatment intensification, whereas, older patients, female patients, and patients with poor medication adherence were less likely to receive treatment intensification. Our findings highlight areas for quality improvement initiatives.

People with Intellectual Disabilities in Out-of-Area Specialist Hospitals: What Do Families Think?

Background Little has been published regarding the views of family members of people with intellectual disabilities who are being cared for in out-of-area psychiatric hospitals. This study explores this area with specific reference to whether culturally appropriate services were being provided. Materials and Methods Sixteen family members were interviewed about their views on the care their relative or partner was receiving in an out-of-area hospital. Transcripts were then analysed by the study team and themes identified. Results Families expressed a wide range of views regarding out-of-area hospital care. Important themes identified were feelings of shame, concerns about safety, cultural needs not being met, lack of improvement and lack of involvement in care. Conclusions This study highlights areas of inpatient care that family members felt were important. Views on negative aspects of care should guide areas for quality improvement initiatives for inpatient services. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Preventable Morbidity at a Mature Trauma Center

To analyze the preventable and potentially preventable complications occurring at a mature level I trauma center. Retrospective review. Academic level I trauma center. The study included 35 311 trauma registry patients. The cause, effect on outcome, preventability (preventable, potentially preventable, or nonpreventable), and loop closure recommendations for all preventable and potentially preventable complications, and clinical data related to each complication retrieved from the trauma registry and individual medical records. Over the 8-year study, 35 311 trauma registry patients experienced 2560 complications. Three hundred fifty-one patients (0.99% of all patients) had 403 preventable or potentially preventable complications. The most common preventable or potentially preventable complications were unintended extubation (63 patients [17% of complications]), surgical technical failures (61 patients [15% of complications]), missed injuries (58 patients [14% of complications]), and intravascular catheter-related complications (48 patients [12% of complications]). These complications were clinically relevant; 258 (64% of complications) resulted in a change in management, including 61 laparotomies, 52 reintubations, 41 chest tube insertions, and 19 vascular interventions. The incidence of preventable or potentially preventable complications at an academic level I trauma center is low. These complications often require a change in management and cluster in 4 major categories (ie, unintended extubation, surgical technical failures, missed injuries, and intravascular catheter-related complications) that must be recognized as critical areas for quality improvement initiatives.

The Unintended Consequences of Publicly Reporting Quality Information

Health care report cards publicly report information about physician, hospital, and health plan quality in an attempt to improve that quality. Reporting quality information publicly is presumed to motivate quality improvement through 2 main mechanisms. First, public quality information allows patients, referring physicians, and health care purchasers to preferentially select high-quality physicians. Second, public report cards may motivate physicians to compete on quality and, by providing feedback and by identifying areas for quality improvement initiatives, help physicians to do so. Despite these plausible mechanisms of quality improvement, the value of publicly reporting quality information is largely undemonstrated and public reporting may have unintended and negative consequences on health care. These unintended consequences include causing physicians to avoid sick patients in an attempt to improve their quality ranking, encouraging physicians to achieve "target rates" for health care interventions even when it may be inappropriate among some patients, and discounting patient preferences and clinical judgment. Public reporting of quality information promotes a spirit of openness that may be valuable for enhancing trust of the health professions, but its ability to improve health remains undemonstrated, and public reporting may inadvertently reduce, rather than improve, quality. Given these limitations, it may be necessary to reassess the role of public quality reporting in quality improvement.