Bringing measurement and management science to the cath laboratory: the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (ACC-NCDR) and the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Continuous Quality Improvement Toolkit (ACC-CathKIT).

Abstract

Diagnostic cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary interventions are widely performed for the evaluation and treatment of patients with cardiac disease. Because of high utilization, cost, and complication rates, invasive cardiac procedures are closely monitored and frequently measured using national benchmark databases and public reports. Before decision makers can accept these data and reports as accurate, it is necessary that the measurement process be performed correctly. However, collecting and measuring data is only the first step and does not automatically lead to improvements in quality. For an improvement to occur, a continuous quality improvement effort must exist to transform data into improved outcomes for patients. Recognizing the need to supply healthcare providers with methods and standards for measurement reporting and tools to assist facilities in the development of effective continuous quality improvement efforts, the American College of Cardiology developed the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (ACC-NCDR). Subsequently, the American College of Cardiology Foundation, in cooperation with the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, the American College of Cardiovascular Administrators, and several other professional organizations, developed the ACC-Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Continuous Quality Improvement Toolkit (ACC-CathKIT). The development and usefulness of these products is described in this paper.