Virginia Cardiac Services Quality Initiative

Meeting Expenses and Collaborative Infrastructure: Regular meetings are held to educate surgeons cardiologists nurses database managers and other quality improvement staff from hospital members. Multiple research studies and quality improvement projects were undertaken with the goal of exchanging information for improving surgical quality and lowering costs. Quarterly meetings are held for the Quality Committee Board of Directors and entire consortium. Best practices from the group are shared and guest speakers from around the nation are invited to present findings of their research. Monthly check-in meetings are held with members to review data and progress with implementing initiatives. Angiogram reviews are performed to ensure matching of imaging and pathology helping to ensure appropriateness and improve quality of care.

Independent Contractors: these expenses correspond to monthly payments for the Executive Director's and Quality Improvement Advisor's services along with the expenses incurred by the group's webmaster and videographer for services rendered online during conference calls and online meetings and at in-person meetings. The time of the Executive Director and Quality Improvement Advisor is primarily devoted to help VCSQI members convene and accomplish the Board's stated objectives. Deliverables and responsibilities include the following: database stewardship for both Society of Thoracic Surgeons and American College of Cardiology registries; data analysis; communications and outreach; convening committee and board meetings; overseeing the angiogram review process; and administrative duties.