Abstract
Objective: To present a 4-year experience with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality and Improvement Program (NSQIP) in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, to highlight successes, and to demonstrate areas that provide opportunities for quality improvement.
Method: The Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) database was utilized to analyze NSQIP outcomes and quality measures obtained for the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. This had been an ongoing project in our department over the last 4 years.
Results: Overall mortality (0.34%) continues to be equal to the national average (0.34%). The overall wound infection rate (23.38%) has improved but is still slightly higher than the national average (17.4%). Initially, the wound infection rate was a significant high outlier (16.67%). The incidence of infection has improved to 0.00% (3rd Q, 2011). Individual categorical gains have been made in unplanned intubations, pneumonia rates, and off the ventilator rates within 48 hours. Sepsis and septic shock rates continue to be benchmarked compared to the national average. Patient length of stay with wound infection have improved and resulted in savings for the institution.
Conclusion: Institutional participation in NSQIP has resulted in demonstrable improvements in patient care outcomes and key quality measures for patients treated at the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.