scholarly journals Trajectories of Stroke Care in Ontario: Which Path to Best Care?

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth E. Hall ◽  
Diana Sondergaard ◽  
Walter P. Wodchis ◽  
Jiming Fang ◽  
Prosanta Mondal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Inpatient Rehabilitation ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Administrative Databases ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Health Card

AbstractBackground:Few studies have tracked stroke survivors through transitions across the health system and identified the most common trajectories and quality of care received. The objectives of our study were to examine the trajectories that incident stroke patients experience and to quantify the extent to which their care adhered to the best practices for stroke care.Methods:A population-based cohort of first-ever stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients from the 2012/13 Ontario Stroke Audit was linked to administrative databases using an encrypted health card number to identify dominant trajectories (N=12,362). All trajectories began in the emergency department (ED) and were defined by the transitions that followed immediately after the ED. Quality indicators were calculated to quantify best practice adherence within trajectories.Results:Six trajectories of stroke care were identified with significant variability in patient characteristics and quality of care received. Almost two-thirds (64.5%) required hospital admission. Trajectories that only involved the ED had the lowest rates of brain and carotid artery imaging (91.5 and 44.2%, respectively). Less than 20% of patients in trajectories involving hospital admissions received care on a stroke unit. The trajectory involving inpatient rehabilitation received suboptimal secondary prevention measures.Conclusions:There are six main trajectories stroke patients follow, and adherence to best practices varies by trajectory. Trajectories resulting in patients being transitioned to home care following ED management only are least likely and those including inpatient rehabilitation are most likely to receive stroke best practices. Increased time in facility-based care results in greater access to best practices. Stroke patients receiving only ED care require closer follow-up by stroke specialists.

Abstract W P270: Quality of In-Hospital Stroke Care in Veterans Affairs Hospitals

Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J Lyerly ◽  
Danielle Sager ◽  
Jessica Coffing ◽  
Theresa Damush ◽  
Gary Cutter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Veterans Affairs Hospitals ◽  
Hospital Patients ◽  
Student’S T

Introduction: Increasing focus is being placed on quality metrics for stroke care in an effort to improve outcomes. This study aims to examine if quality of stroke care is the same for Veterans experiencing an in-hospital stroke compared to patients presenting through the emergency department (ED). Methods: We analyzed data from an 11-site VA quality improvement study, where 30 months of ICD-9 defined stroke admissions were chart reviewed by a central, trained group of abstractors to assess stroke diagnosis, clinical data, and eligibility and passing for 11 stroke quality indicators (QIs; 8 Joint Commission and 3 others). Stroke severity was determined by retrospective NIHSS scoring of the admission exam. Strokes were classified as presenting to the ED or in-hospital (already admitted for another diagnosis). Transfers (N = 362) were excluded. We compared clinical and QI data between the in-hospital and ER groups using Student’s t-tests and Chi-square tests. Results: There were 35 in-hospital and 1788 ED strokes. The two groups did not differ with respect to age, race or sex, however in-hospital strokes had higher stroke severity (mean 11.1 vs 5.1, p=0.002), increased length of stay (12.8 vs 7.3, p=0.003), and were less likely to be discharged home (34.3% vs 63.8%, p<0.001). QI results are shown in the Table; those with in-hospital stroke were more likely to be eligible for tPA, but received less dysphagia screening. Conclusions: Veterans who develop an in-hospital stroke receive similar quality of care as patients presenting to the ED although fewer in-hospital patients had dysphagia screening. Interestingly, tPA eligibility and utilization were higher for in-hospital strokes although utilization did not reach significance. While it is reassuring that in-hospital strokes are receiving similar quality of care, there is still room for improvement in all patient care settings and in-hospital stroke patients should be included in future QI processes.

scholarly journals Quality of care indicators for schizophrenia: determinants of observed variations among Italian Departments of Mental Health. Results from the ETAS DSM study

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Fantini ◽  
G. Tibaldi ◽  
P. Rucci ◽  
D. Gibertoni ◽  
M. Vezzoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Psychosocial Rehabilitation ◽  
Metabolic Effects ◽  
Administrative Databases ◽  
Pharmacological Intervention ◽  
Pharmacological Interventions

Aims.The primary aim of this study is to analyse the conformance of usual care patterns for persons with schizophrenia to treatment guidelines in three Italian Departments of Mental Health (DMHs). The secondary aim is to examine possible organisational and structural reasons accounting for variations among DMHs.Methods.Within the framework of the Evaluation of Treatment Appropriateness in Schizophrenia (ETAS) project, 20 consensus quality of care indicators were developed. Ten concerned pharmacological treatment and ten encompassed general care and psychosocial rehabilitation interventions. Indicators were calculated using data from a stratified random sample of 458 patients treated at three DMHs located in North-Eastern, North-Western and Southern Italy. Patients’ data were collected by combining information from medical charts and from a survey carried out by the health care professionals in charge of the patients. Data on the structural and organisational characteristics of the DMHs were retrieved from administrative databases. For each indicator, the number and percentage of appropriate interventions with and without moderators were calculated. Appropriateness was defined as the percentage of eligible patients receiving an intervention conformant with guidelines. Moderators, i.e., reasons justifying a discrepancy between the interventions actually provided and that recommended by guidelines were recorded. Indicators based on a sufficient number of eligible patients were further explored in a statistical analysis to compare the performance of the DMHs.Results.In the overall sample, the percentage of inappropriate interventions ranged from 11.1 to 59.3% for non-pharmacological interventions and from 5.9 to 66.8% for pharmacological interventions. Comparisons among DMHs revealed significant variability in appropriateness for the indicators ‘prevention and monitoring of metabolic effects’, ‘psychiatric visits’, ‘psychosocial rehabilitation’, ‘family involvement’ and ‘work’. After adjusting the patient's gender, age and functioning, only the indicators ‘Prevention and monitoring of metabolic effects’, ‘psychiatric visits’ and ‘work’ continued to differ significantly among DMHs. The percentage of patients receiving appropriate integrated care (at least one appropriate non-pharmacological intervention and one pharmacological intervention) was significantly different among the three DMHs and lower than expected.Conclusions.Our results underscore discrepancies among Italian DMHs in indicators that explore key aspects of care of patients with schizophrenia. The use of quality indicators and improved guideline adherence can address suboptimal clinical outcomes, and has the potential to reduce practice variations and narrow the gap between optimal and routine care.

scholarly journals Quality of Care in Long-Term Hemodialysis Patients in Mexico

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Torres-Díaz JA ◽  
◽  
Gonzalez-Gonzalez JG ◽  
Zúniga-Hernández JA ◽  
Olivo-Gutiérrez MC ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Linear Regression Model ◽  
World Literature ◽  
Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Cross Sectional

Introduction: The End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is one of the leading causes of mortality in Mexico. The quality of care these patients receive remains uncertain. Methods: This is a descriptive, single-center and cross-sectional cohort study. The KDOQI performance measures, hemoglobin level >11 g/dL, blood pressure <140/90 mmHg, serum albumin >4 g/dL and use of arteriovenous fistula of patients with ESRD on hemodialysis were analyzed in a period of a year. The association between mortality and the KDOQI objectives was evaluated with a logistic regression model. A linear regression model was also performed with the number of readmissions. Results: A total of 124 participants were included. Participants were categorized by the number of measures completed. Fourteen (11.3%) of the participants did not meet any of the goals, 51 (41.1%) met one, 43 (34.7%) met two, 11 (8.9%) met three, and 5 (4%) met the four clinical goals analyzed. A mortality of 11.2% was registered. In the logistic regression model, the number of goals met had an OR for mortality of 1.1 (95% CI 0.5-2.8). In the linear regression model, for the number of readmissions, a beta correlation with the number of KDOQI goals met was 0.246 (95% CI -0.872-1.365). Conclusion: The attainment of clinical goals and the mortality rate in our center is similar to that reported in the world literature. Our study did not find a significant association between compliance with clinical guidelines and mortality or the number of hospital admissions in CKD patients on hemodialysis.

scholarly journals Adherence to Post-Acute Rehabilitation Guidelines Improves Functional Recovery in Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 32 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 333-333
Author(s):  
Pamela W Duncan ◽  
Ronnie D Horner ◽  
Dean M Reker ◽  
VA Medical Ctr ◽  
Kansas City ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Functional Recovery ◽  
Stroke Rehabilitation ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Case Mix ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Acute Rehabilitation

97 Purpose & Methods: To assess if compliance with post-stroke rehabilitation guidelines improves functional recovery. The design of the study was an inception cohort of stroke patients followed prospectively for 6 months. The setting was eleven Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Centers providing care to stroke patients. The subjects included 288 selected patients with stroke admitted between January 1998 - March 1999. Data were abstracted from medical records and telephone interviews. Primary outcome was the Functional Independence Motor Score (FIM). Secondary outcomes included Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), SF-36 physical functioning, and the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). Acute and post-acute rehabilitation composite compliance scores (range 0–100) were derived from an algorithm. All outcomes were adjusted for case mix. Results: Average compliance scores in acute and post acute care settings were 68.2% (+ 14) and 69.5% (+ 14.4), respectively. After case-mix adjustment, level of compliance with post-acute rehabilitation guidelines was significantly associated with FIM motor, IADL, and the SIS physical domain scores. SF-36 physical function scores and mortality were not affected by compliance with post-acute rehabilitation guidelines. Level of compliance with rehabilitation guidelines in acute settings was unrelated to any of the outcome measures. Conclusion: Process of care in post-acute stroke rehabilitation affects 6-month functional recovery. Our findings support the use of guidelines as means of assessing quality of care and improving outcomes. These quality indicators are needed to ensure that quality of care is not comprised with new organizational and funding changes involving post-acute stroke care.

Abstract 358: Annual Quality of Care Evaluations of Cardiac Surgery in British Columbia

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
James G Abel ◽  
Daniel R Wong ◽  
Carmen H Ng ◽  
Lillian Ding ◽  
Andrew Kmetic
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Cardiac Surgery ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Risk Model ◽  
Artery Bypass ◽  
Bypass Graft ◽  
Administrative Databases ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Rbc Transfusion

Background: Cardiac Services BC (CSBC) is responsible for planning, coordinating, monitoring, and, in some cases, funding cardiac services across British Columbia (BC) in collaboration with senior administrators and physicians from five regional health authorities. CSBC maintains the BC Cardiac Registry (BCCR), a longitudinal clinical registry of all invasive cardiac procedures performed in BC. For over 10 years, CSBC has used BCCR data to evaluate annually quality of care indicators for isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), isolated valve, and CABG+valve surgeries. Methods: In preparation for each annual review, CSBC meets with an established Planning Committee of representative surgeons. BCCR data is linked to provincial Vital Statistics data, to the national Discharge Abstract Database, and for the last 3 yearly analyses to the provincial Central Transfusion Registry which provides robust data on red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. At the annual review, CSBC meets with surgeons who are included in the analyses to present the indicator data. Results: In the 2012 evaluation, the following quality of care indicators were presented for the 2007-2011 period: 30-day mortality and 30-day stroke; 30-day RBC transfusion; and indicators for evidence-based medications at discharge. Risk-adjusted analyses were prepared for the 30-day mortality and 30-day stroke indicators to provide valid comparisons over time and according to hospital and surgeon. Patient characteristics and pre-procedural factors were included in the risk models. The risk-adjusted models performed well with C-statistics for the 30-day mortality models for isolated CABG, isolated valve, and CABG+valve surgeries of 0.86, 0.89, and 0.81, and for the 30-day stroke models 0.80, 0.83, and 0.74, respectively. Expected rates by hospital and by surgeon were determined from each risk model, and observed to expected (O/E) ratios were used for comparison of hospitals and surgeons. Rates of RBC transfusion varied by hospital, and a large reduction in transfusion rates from 69% (378 of 546) in 2007 to 43% (252 of 589) in 2011 was observed at one site with historically higher rates. Conclusion: Presenting quality of care indicators annually has raised awareness of outcome rates and variations which existed across the province. The annual process of engaging surgeons in the evaluation process and linkage with other administrative databases to obtain outcome data has been associated with a reduction in use of RBC transfusion and instigated further investigations into regional variation in mortality rates. The addition of new indicators and other risk-adjusted analyses in the future may further improve quality of care in cardiac surgery in BC.

Abstract WP237: Improved Thrombolysis Rates and Quality of Care for Stroke Patients Through a Provincial Emergency Department Quality Improvement Initiative

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Devin R Harris ◽  
Robert Stenstrom ◽  
Eric Grafstein ◽  
Mark Collison ◽  
Grant Innes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Baseline Data ◽  
Quality Improvement Initiative ◽  
Stroke Patients

Background: The care of stroke patients in the emergency department (ED) is time sensitive and complex. We sought to improve quality of care for stroke patients in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada, emergency departments. Objectives: To measure the outcomes of a large-scale quality improvement initiative on thrombolysis rates and other ED performance measures. Methods: This was an evaluation of a large-scale stroke quality improvement initiative, within ED’s in B.C., Canada, in a before-after design. Baseline data was derived from a medical records review study performed between December 1, 2005 to January 31, 2007. Adherence to best practice was determined by measuring selected performance indicators. The quality improvement initiative was a collaboration between multidisciplinary clinical leaders within ED’s throughout B.C. in 2007, with a focus on implementing clinical practice guidelines and pre-printed order sets. The post data was derived through an identical methodology as baseline, from March to December 2008. The primary outcome was the thrombolysis rate; secondary outcomes consisted of other ED stroke performance measures. Results: 48 / 81 (59%) eligible hospitals in B.C. were selected for audit in the baseline data; 1258 TIA and stroke charts were audited. For the post data, 46 / 81 (57%) acute care hospitals were selected: 1199 charts were audited. The primary outcome of the thrombolysis rate was 3.9% (23 / 564) before and 9.3% (63 / 676) after, an absolute difference of 5.4% (95% CI: 2.3% - 7.6%; p=0.0005). Other measures showed changes: administration of aspirin to stroke patients in the ED improved from 23.7% (127 / 535) to 77.1% (553 / 717), difference = 53.4% (95% CI: 48.3% - 58.1%; p=0.0005); and, door to imaging time improved from 2.25 hours (IQR = 3.81 hours) to 1.57 hours (IQR 3.0), difference = 0.68 hours (p=0.03). Differences were found in improvements between large and small institutions, and between health regions. Conclusions: Implementation of a provincial emergency department quality improvement initiative showed significant improvement in thrombolysis rates and adherence to other best practices for stroke patients. The specific factors that influenced improvement need to be further explored.

Abstract W P287: Does Comprehensive Stroke Certification Demonstrate a Significant Effect on Volume and Quality of Care?

Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie Paletz ◽  
Shlee Song ◽  
Nili Steiner ◽  
Betty Robertson ◽  
Nicole Wolber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Joint Commission ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact

Introduction/Background information: At the onset of acute stroke symptoms, speed, capability, safety and skill are essential-lost minutes can be the difference between full recoveries, poor outcome, or even death. The Joint Commission's Certificate of Distinction for Comprehensive Stroke Centers recognizes centers that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. While many hospitals have been surveyed, Cedars Sinai was the 5 th hospital in the nation to receive this certification. Researchable question: Does Comprehensive stroke certification (CSC) demonstrate a significant effect on volume and quality of care? Methods: We assembled a cross-functional, multidisciplinary expert team representing all departments and skill sets involved in treating stroke patients. We carefully screened eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke We assessed the number of patients treated at Cedars-Sinai with IV-T-pa t 6 months before and then 6 months after CSC and the quality of their care including medical treatment and door to needle time. Results: In the 6 months prior to Joint Commissions Stroke Certification we treated 20 of 395acute stroke patients with t-PA with an average CT turnaround time of 31±19minutes and an average Door to needle time (DTNT) of 68±32minutes. In the 6 months since Joint Commission Stroke Certification we have increased the number of acute stroke patients treated by almost double. There were 37 out of 489(P=0.02, Chi Square) patients treated with IV t-PA with an average CT turnaround time of 22±7minutes (p=0.08, t-test, compared to pre-CSC) and an average DTNT of 61± 23minutes (not different than pre-CSC). Conclusion: We conclude that Joint Commission Certification for stroke was associated with an increased rate of treatment with IV rt-PA in acute ischemic stroke patients. We were not able to document an effect on quality of care. Further studies of the impact of CSC certification are warranted.

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