About St. Clair
Measurement
Heart Attack
| Heart Attack Quality Measures | St. Clair results | National results 1 |
|---|---|---|
|
Percent of heart attack patients given aspirin upon arrival Higher percentages are better
|
97% |
94% |
|
Percent of heart attack patients given aspirin at discharge Higher percentages are better
|
98% |
92% |
|
Percent of heart attack patients given ACE inhibitor or ARB for left ventricular systolic dysfunction Higher percentages are better
|
91% |
90% |
|
Percent of heart attack patients given smoking cessation advice/counseling Higher percentages are better
|
100% |
94% |
|
Percent of heart attack patients given beta blocker at discharge Higher percentages are better
|
98% |
93% |
|
Percent of heart attack patients who receive PCI within 90 minutes of arrival Higher percentages are better
|
93% |
75% |
| Death rate for heart attack patients Lower percentages are better
|
16% |
16.6% |
| Readmission rate for heart attack patients Lower percentages are better
|
19% |
19.9% |
1Comparative Data is from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) website
Aspirin on Arrival
What are we measuring?
How frequently patients who come to the hospital with a heart attack are given an aspirin on arrival in the Emergency Department
Why is this important?
Aspirin can help prevent clots from forming or help dissolve clots that have formed. Studies show that taking an aspirin as soon as the symptoms of a heart attack begin may decrease the severity of the attack.
How are we doing?
Although our results are better than the national average, our team of physicians and nurses continue to analyze our processes. The Emergency Department has instituted standardized order sets and protocols so that aspirin is given to patients eligible to receive aspirin therapy.
Aspirin upon Discharge
What are we measuring?
How frequently patients are discharged from the hospital with instructions to take aspirin at home
Why is this important?
Aspirin can help prevent clots from forming or help dissolve clots that have formed. Studies show that continued use of aspirin following a heart attack may reduce the risk of another heart attack.
How are we doing?
Although our results are better than the national average, our team of physicians, nurses and pharmacists continue to analyze our process for discharge instructions.
ACE Inhibitor or ARB for Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
What are we measuring?
How frequently patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction are prescribed an ACEI or ARB early in the hospitalization
Why is this important?
ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) are medicines used to treat patients with heart failure and are particularly beneficial in those patients with decreased function of the left side of the heart. Early treatment with ACE inhibitors and ARBs can also reduce the risk of death from future heart attacks. Since the ways in which these two kinds of drugs work are different, your doctor will decide which drug is most appropriate for you.
How are we doing?
Our results are just slightly better than the national average. Our team of physicians, nurses and pharmacists has found that physicians are evaluating their patients for LVSD but at times not documenting their conclusion and treatment decisions.
Smoking Cessation Advice and Counseling
What are we measuring?
How frequently patients who currently smoke are provided with advice and/or counseling on reasons and methods for smoking cessation
Why is this important?
Smoking increases your risk for developing blood clots and heart disease that can result in a heart attack, heart failure or stroke. Smoking causes your arteries to thicken and your blood vessels to narrow. Smoking is also linked to lung disease and cancer, and can cause premature death. Quitting may help prevent another heart attack.
How are we doing?
Our results show that we address this issue with every patient who admits to a smoking habit. During hospitalization, the physician and nurses discuss interim steps to take to eliminate the habit. Our pulmonary team has developed a program for patients and family members to attend post discharge.
Beta Blocker upon Discharge
What are we measuring?
How frequently patients who meet medical indications are prescribed a beta blocker upon discharge
Why is this important?
Beta blockers are a type of medicine that is used to lower blood pressure, treat chest pain (angina) and heart failure, and to help prevent a heart attack. Beta blockers relieve the stress on your heart by slowing the heart rate and reducing the force with which your heart muscles contract to pump blood.
How are we doing?
Our results show that we exceed the national average for this measure. Our physicians follow American College of Cardiology guidelines for prescribing this medication. Our nurses and pharmacists provide education to patients so that the patient knows how to take the medication at home and the potential side effects.
PCI within 90 Minutes of Arrival (Also referred to as Door to Balloon Time)
What are we measuring?
How frequently patients who meet medical indications for angioplasty and who agree to the procedure actually undergo the procedure within 90 minutes of arrival at the hospital
Why is this important?
Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI) are procedures that are among the most effective ways to open blocked blood vessels and help prevent further heart muscle damage. Improving blood flow to your heart as quickly as possible lessens the damage to your heart muscle. It also can increase your chances of surviving a heart attack. Based on scientific research, the American College of Cardiology recommends that it take no longer than 90 minutes from hospital arrival for the patient to be undergoing the procedure in the Cardiac Cath Lab.
How are we doing?
Our results show that we greatly exceed the national average for this measure. Our Door to Balloon Team of ED physicians, interventional cardiologists, ED staff Cardiac Cath Lab staff, and EMS services have designed the quickest pathway for patients to receive heart saving interventional procedures. This pathway includes pre-hospital ECG by EMS units who take command from the St. Clair ED physicians.