Quality indicators in intensive care medicine for Germany - third edition 2017

Area of Science:

• Intensive Care Medicine
• Quality Improvement
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Quality improvement in medicine relies on measuring relevant quality indicators.
• The German Interdisciplinary Society of Intensive Care Medicine (DIVI) established quality indicators in 2013.
• These indicators are crucial for peer review processes in intensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and update the DIVI quality indicators for intensive care medicine after a three-year period.
• To ensure the indicators remain relevant and effective for quality improvement.
• To adapt indicators based on advancements in intensive care and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Scheduled evaluation of existing quality indicators after three years.
• Analysis of changes in specific indicators related to treatment processes and outcomes.
• Inclusion of new indicators and modification or removal of others based on evaluation findings.

Main Results:

• Major and minor revisions were made to several quality indicators.
• Focus remained on treatment processes: ward rounds, analgesia/sedation management, mechanical ventilation, and weaning.
• Early mobilization replaced hypothermia following resuscitation, and infection prevention was added as an outcome indicator.

Conclusions:

• The updated DIVI quality indicators reflect current standards in intensive care.
• The revisions aim to enhance the effectiveness of quality improvement and peer review.
• A three-year validity period is planned for the revised quality indicators to ensure continued relevance.