Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
Published on: December 11, 2017
[Cardiology quality assessment in Germany--pro and contra]
E von Hodenberg1, S Eder, P Grunebaum
1Klinik für Innere Medizin und Kardiologie, MediClin Herzzentrum Lahr/Baden, Lahr. eberhard.hodenberg@mediclin.de
Insights
Germany
Area of Science:
- Cardiology quality assessment
- Healthcare quality improvement
- Medical data analysis
Context:
- German National Institute for Quality in Healthcare's external quality assessment program.
- Mandatory data collection for diagnostic coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary interventions, and pacemaker implantations.
- Structured dialogue initiated for statistical abnormalities.
Purpose:
- To assess and improve the quality of cardiac procedures in German hospitals.
- To identify potential quality deficits through data analysis and physician feedback.
- To implement a structured dialogue for addressing identified issues.
Summary:
- Hospitals collect data on cardiac procedures for quality assessment.
- Statistical anomalies trigger a structured dialogue with physicians to address quality deficits.
- The program involves quality commissions examining responses and conducting interviews or site visits.
Impact:
- Current quality data validity is questionable due to lack of audits.
- Results should not be used for hospital comparisons or rankings.
- Data accessibility to third parties like health insurances is restricted until validity improves.
Abstract:
The German National Institute for Quality in Healthcare has also developed a program of external quality assessment in the field of cardiology. Hospitals are committed to collect certain data of diagnostic coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary interventions and pacemaker implantations. If statistical abnormalities are observed a so called structured dialogue is implemented. The responsible physicians of the hospitals are asked to comment possible quality deficits. Appointed members of quality commissions examine the answers and can invite the responsible physicians for interviews or also visit the hospital. However the validity of the quality data is problematic, because audits or check-ups of quality assessment in place are lacking. Therefore the results should not be misused for a comparison or ranking of hospitals with each other. As long as the validity of the quality assessment has not been improved, the results should also not be accessible for other parties, such as health insurances.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:17Pulse amplitude and quality
A weak or absent pulse may indicate reduced cardiac output or poor left ventricular contraction, which can be signs of cardiovascular dysfunction or...
01:25Assessment of the Cardiovascular System IV: Auscultation
Normal Heart Sounds
S1 (First Heart Sound)-
S1 is made by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves (atrioventricular valves), marking the beginning of systole.
S2 (Second Heart Sound)-
S2 is made by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves (semilunar valves), marking the end of the systole.
01:29Electrocardiogram
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T...
01:25Assessment of apical radial pulse
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation
01:30Pulse rhythm
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...
01:17Assessment of apical pulse
Assessing the apical pulse is a critical nursing procedure, particularly indicated for: