Best practices for developing cardiovascular quality indicators.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Health Services Research
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• The Canadian Heart Health Strategy and Action Plan mandated the development of pan-Canadian data definitions and quality indicators (QIs) for cardiovascular care.
• The Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) was tasked with leading this initiative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the CCS "Best Practices" for developing standardized pan-Canadian cardiovascular QIs.
• To describe a methodology that ensures quality, completeness, acceptability, and usability of QIs.

Main Methods:

• A three-phase QI development methodology was adopted: Phase I (Plan and Organize), Phase II (Develop and Select QIs), and Phase III (Operationalize QIs).
• Phase I involves defining the scope, objectives, target users, and population for the QIs.
• Phase II includes generating and refining QI definitions, followed by a rating and ranking process. Phase III focuses on technical specifications, pilot testing, and knowledge translation.

Main Results:

• A standardized methodology for developing pan-Canadian cardiovascular QIs has been established by the CCS.
• This methodology comprises three distinct phases: planning, development/selection, and operationalization.
• The process includes defining criteria, generating and rating indicators, pilot testing, and knowledge translation.

Conclusions:

• Adoption of this standardized QI development methodology by the CCS will enhance the quality, completeness, acceptability, and usability of pan-Canadian cardiovascular QIs.
• Publicly releasing QI definitions and performance data may contribute to improving patient care quality and outcomes.