Currently, there is little non-clinical data available to transplant programs for use in tracking quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) metrics nationally, and a regional benchmark would allow programs to pool volumes and allow for more meaningful data in analysis. In 2017 the NYCTC developed a list of five performance measures to track, with all programs to share data, and summaries to be presented quarterly. The QAPI Initiative project was approved by the NYCTC Board of Directors at the December 2017 meeting.
MASS staff collected retrospective data from the 5 pre-existing NYS heart transplant programs in early 2018. Data is collected quarterly from all seven heart transplant programs and presented in aggregate to the Heart Policy and Operations Committee on an ongoing basis. Review of this data helps centers provide the best possible care to the patients of New York:
Metric #1: Episodes of Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) within 48 hours of transplant
Metric #2: Rate of dialysis before index hospital discharge
Metric #3: Rate of stroke before index hospital discharge
Metric #4: Percentage of in-patient evaluations vs. outpatient
Metric #5: Time from patient referral to first appointment