Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions
ACE was founded by the expert leadership of
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. SCAI's clinical competency statement for carotid stenting established a solid foundation for developing the accreditation standards for this program.
For decades, SCAI has been a leader in efforts to improve safety and quality-of-care at cardiac catheterization facilities. Its
Cardiovascular Catheterization Laboratory Survey Program is a respected resource for physicians and cardiovascular catheterization laboratory administrators seeking comprehensive, independent outside review of all aspects of their cardiovascular catheterization laboratories.
In March, 2011, SCAI also issued a statement about assessing and improving program quality at percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) programs at cardiac facilities. The statement, which was published in the peer-reviewed journal Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions, is the first document to offer guidance regarding core measures for quality and assessment in PCI programs.
American College of Cardiology
ACE is sponsored by the American College of Cardiology, an organization that is transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health through continuous quality improvement, patient-centered care, payment innovation and professionalism. The College is a 39,000-member nonprofit medical society comprised of physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists and practice managers, and bestows credentials upon cardiovascular specialists who meet its stringent qualifications.
The ACC provides professional education and operates national registries for the measurement and improvement of quality care. The National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR©) is the most comprehensive, outcomes-based quality improvement program in the United States, encompassing both hospital-based registries and a practice-based program. As a trusted, patient-centered resource, the NCDR is uniquely positioned to help participating facilities and other medical professionals identify and close gaps in quality of care; reduce wasteful and inefficient care variations; and implement effective, continuous quality improvement processes. The ACC-sponsored Care Registry assesses the characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of carotid artery stenting (CAS) and endarterectomy (CEA) procedures. Unique in its unbiased focus, the CARE Registry includes independent neurological assessment using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale scores before, immediately after a CAS or CEA procedure, and at 30 days post procedure.
ACE is currently working with other professional organizations to add more accreditation programs in the future. If your organization is interested in sponsoring ACE in its effort to provide the highest quality cardiac and endovascular care through accreditation, please call (202-657-6859) or send an e-mail (mheisler@cvexcel.org) to Mary Heisler, ACE’s Executive Director, for more information.