San Diego, California — Cardiac catheterization laboratories report clear improvements across a range of quality metrics one year after achieving full accreditation through the Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence (ACE), according to results of a new study. The findings support the value of ACE accreditation as a component of the quality improvement process.

Bonnie H. Weiner, MD, MSEC, MBA, MSCAI, FACC, will present results from the study at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 2015 Scientific Sessions in San Diego, May 6-9.

To assess the perceived value of ACE accreditation among cardiac catheterization laboratories, ACE surveyed all accredited facilities visits using a standardized questionnaire. Facilities also provided open-ended comments regarding any changes to their facility attributed to the ACE external review and accreditation process.

At the time of the analysis, 29 cardiac catheterization laboratories had achieved full ACE accreditation for their diagnostic cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (Cath/PCI) programs. Of these, 13 facilities (44.8%) had reached a minimum of 1 year since obtaining ACE accreditation.

"More than 90% of ACE-accredited facilities feel that accreditation adds substantial value to their organization in terms of improved care quality," Dr. Weiner said. "The value proposition of ACE accreditation touches every aspect of the cardiac catheterization laboratory, from enhanced patient safety to improved staff confidence and morale."

Approximately two-thirds of facilities reported that the ACE external review process validated the appropriateness of patient selection; validated the facilities’ internal review processes; improved morale; and supported confidence in facility leadership in the laboratory. 

The cardiac catheterization laboratories described multiple additional concrete benefits of ACE accreditation:

• Reduced radiation dosage due to improved monitoring and reporting
• Team building and pride in their accomplishments
• Improved communication
• Improved documentation
• Networking with other accredited facilities
• Demonstration to facility leadership that the catheterization laboratory was a leader in quality improvement

None of the facilities experienced changes in their physician leadership or other major events that contributed substantially to the quality improvements seen at their facilities. Instead, the changes in quality, safety, and morale were attributed to the ACE accreditation process.

"Cardiac catheterization laboratories are proud of their accomplishment in achieving ACE accreditation, as they should be," said Dr. Weiner. "More than 80% of ACE accredited facilities have incorporated their accreditation status into their marketing efforts."

An updated analysis of the full study, entitled "The Value of Catheterization Laboratory Accreditation," will be presented as an electronic poster on May 7, 2015.

Source:

Weiner BH, Dehmer GJ, Brindis RG, et al. The Value of Catheterization Laboratory Accreditation. SCAI 2015 Scientific Sessions. Abstract 13833.