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Review
. 2023 Mar;27(3):27-38.
doi: 10.1007/s11916-022-01097-9. Epub 2023 Mar 7.

Quality Improvement in the Management of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Current State and Future Directions

Aaron Kaplan  1 , Safa Kaleem  1 , Margaret Huynh  2
Affiliations
Review

Quality Improvement in the Management of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Current State and Future Directions

Aaron Kaplan et al. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2023 Mar.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage carries high mortality and morbidity. Quality improvement (QI) efforts in the management of this disease process are growing as the field of neurocritical care matures. This review provides updates in QI in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and discusses gaps and future directions.

Recent findings: Literature published on the topic over the past 3 years were evaluated. An assessment of current QI practices pertaining to the acute care of SAH was conducted. These include processes surrounding acute pain management, inter-hospital coordination of care, complications during the initial hospital stay, role of palliative care, and quality metrics collection, reporting, and monitoring. SAH QI initiatives have shown promise by decreasing ICU and hospital lengths of stay, health care costs, and hospital complications. The review reveals substantial heterogeneity, variability, and limitations in SAH QI protocols, measures, and reporting. Uniformity in QI research, implementation, and monitoring will be crucial as disease-specific QI develops in neurological care.

Keywords: Neurocritical care; Performance measure; Quality; Quality improvement; Subarachnoid hemorrhage.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance
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