Heart Failure Care
Care Quality Measures
|
Suburban Hospital
July - December 2011
most recent data
|
State Average
April 2010 - March 2011
last available
|
National Average
April 2010 - March 2011
last available
|
Discharge instructions given
(What this measure means) |
100% |
88% |
90% |
Patient given evaluation of left ventricular systolic function
(What this measure means) |
99% |
98% |
98% |
Patient given the recommended ACEI/ARB medication
(What this measure means) |
96% |
94% |
95% |
Smoking cessation advice/counseling given to patients who smoke
(What this measure means) |
100% |
98% |
99% |
Heart Failure
What we are doing to improve:
Nurses and physicians are working together to assure that discharge instructions are complete, including listing of the recommended medications, and that all recent diagnostic tests for heart function are documented on the current medical record.
What This Measure Means: This number represents the percentage of patients with heart failure who receive discharge instructions on six specific activities to monitor at home. (Higher percentages are better).
Why This is Important: Heart failure results in symptoms such as shortness of breath, swollen ankles, tiredness, and dizziness. Before discharge from the hospital, your healthcare team should provide you with information to help you manage these symptoms at home. This information should include:
- recommended activity level (what you should and should not do);
- diet (what type of diet is recommended, what you should and should not eat or drink);
- medications you are prescribed to take at home;
- measuring your weight daily;
- what to do if your symptoms worsen; and
- follow- up appointment with your physician.
What This Measure Means: This number is the percentage of patients with heart failure who receive an evaluation of the ability of the left heart to pump effectively. This is known as left ventricular systolic function. (Higher percentages are better).
Why This is Important: In order to properly treat your heart condition, it is important for your doctor to know how well your heart is pumping. This can be evaluated by a test called an echocardiogram, which is performed in conjunction with a medical history and physical examination and other tests such as chest x-ray, blood tests, and ECG (electrocardiogram).
What This Measure Means: This number represents the percentage of patients with heart failure who are prescribed the recommended "ACEI" or "ARB" medication for heart failure, unless it is contraindicated. (Higher percentages are better). These medicines have similar effects, but each works in a specific way. Therefore, your physician will decide which drug, if either, is most appropriate for your care. The medications can be prescribed upon discharge from the hospital.
Why This is Important: These medications, along with other lifestyle changes, help prevent accumulation of excess fluid in the body, which can worsen heart failure, and thereby reduce the risk of hospitalization or death.
What This Measure Means: This number represents the percent of patients who have heart failure and smoke who have been provided with information to help them stop smoking. (Higher percentages are better).
Why This is Important: Smoking causes thickening and narrowing of the blood vessels, which can increase the risk of heart attack. Smoking cessation reduces this risk. Smoking is also associated with an increased risk of lung disease and cancer. It is important for people who smoke to receive education that will help them quit and help prevent further heart disease, heart attack, lung disease, or cancer.
