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. 2009;1(1):16-20.

Quality improvement in cardiac critical care

K Lobdell  1 , S Camp, S Stamou, R Swanson, M Reames, J Madjarov, R Stiegel, E Skipper, R Geller, B Velardo, A Mishra, F Robicsek
Affiliations

Quality improvement in cardiac critical care

K Lobdell et al. HSR Proc Intensive Care Cardiovasc Anesth. 2009.

Abstract

Our quality improvement program began in 2004 to improve cardiac surgery outcomes. Early tracheal extubation in the cardiovascular intensive unit was utilized as a multidisciplinary driver for the quality improvement program. Continuous improvement in the rate of early extubation to drive multidisciplinary quality improvement in cardiac critical care correlated with decreased mortality, morbidity, and improved operational efficiency. Supportive educational efforts included, but were not limited to, principles of change, trust, competing values, crew resource management, evidence based medicine, and quality improvement.

Keywords: cardiac surgery; fast track; mechanical ventilation; quality improvement.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest No conflict of interest acknowledged by the authors

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Graphic depiction of improved early extubation and complications (CABG only). Panel A: Ventilation; Panel B: Complications.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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