In its Winter 2012 newsletter on page 13 , The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) reports on the Ten Do’s and Don’ts for Improving Documentation in the Cath Lab based on studies by the Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence (ACE). The ACE report concludes that many cath labs do not meet reporting standards despite providing excellent care to patients. “A dominant pattern that we see in our cath lab assessments is the failure to accurately document the factors that support the determination of appropriate use. ACE works to elevate cath lab performance and mitigate risk for all stakeholders,” states Mary Heisler, RN, BA, Executive Director, ACE. “Cath labs can benefit from ACE services through the development of an integrated quality program and a thorough and in-depth review of documentation.
ACE, an independent organization sponsored by SCAI and ACCF, offers accreditation and independent external review for cath labs. SCAI is the primary professional association for invasive and interventional cardiologists. Both organizations agree that the medical record is the foundation for quality patient care. As clinical data is increasingly shared across a broad spectrum of organizing bodies, such scrutiny demands key quality indicators be met. ACE expertise takes cath labs from good to great in achieving quality patient care by reducing complexity and variability and by incorporating AUC. “No one wants to be doing work labeled inappropriate; we use the ACE tools to validate and improve the care we provide,” notes Anne Beekman, Cardiac Cath Lab Manager, Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The SCAI article provides tips for improving documentation. Facing the reality of our results-oriented healthcare environment is the first step to making positive change, SCAI advises. Using available tools and resources to help improve documentation is another. Carol Biggs, Vice President, South Miami Heart Center, Baptist Health South, Miami, Florida, agrees, “ACE’s new toolkit from SCAI is great; it works as a documentation and education tool for physicians.” Engaging physicians in the quality outcomes process and supporting standardization that benefits the whole cath lab team is a hallmark of ACE services. By partnering with ACE, the SCAI ten tips for improving documentation in the cath lab will be realized. ACE exists to help you on your quality journey. Call for a free consultation, (202) 657-6859.
About Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence
ACE, an independent organization sponsored by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) and the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF), offers independent evaluation and monitoring of facilities that provide cardiovascular care. By reviewing facility and operator performance and comparing clinical decision-making to nationally accepted best practices, ACE peer review and accreditation services plays a critical role in continuous quality improvement programs. Learn more at http://www.cvexcel.org.