NSQIP Impacts Patient Experience

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Patient Safety
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• High observed to expected ratios for venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) were identified on surgical services.
• Patient surveys indicated a significant weakness in shared decision-making regarding care.
• Patients reported minimal involvement in decisions about their treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To decrease VTE rates through improved screening and prophylaxis (VTEP).
• To enhance patient engagement in shared decision-making for VTEP acceptance.
• To integrate VTEP discussions into patient-centered care and perioperative safety education.

Main Methods:

• A performance improvement project was initiated with a 2-fold objective.
• A clinical pathway was developed for standardized VTE risk assessment and VTEP implementation.
• Patient-centered discussions were introduced to explain VTEP risks, benefits, and impact on safety.

Main Results:

• Immediate improvements in patient experience were observed.
• Decreased rates of VTE were noted following the intervention.
• Data from NSQIP, telephone surveys, and patient experience surveys were utilized.

Conclusions:

• The integrated approach of VTE risk assessment and patient engagement led to positive outcomes.
• Enhanced patient-centered discussions improved both patient experience and VTEP adherence.
• This quality improvement project demonstrates a successful model for reducing VTE and improving shared decision-making.