The American College of Cardiology is releasing hospital performance data to help patients and caregivers make informed choices about where to go for cardiac procedures.
The first element of the database, found online at FindYourHeartaHome.org, examines a hospital’s performance in prescribing appropriate medication at discharge. Participation in the performance data program is voluntary.
In its Nov. 3, announcement, the ACC noted that there are guidelines in place for appropriate medication for patients who receive an implantable cardioverter defibrillator or undergo percutaneous coronary intervention to help protect against further complications. While the guidelines are followed most of the time, there can be variations in treatment. Hospitals are rated on a four-star scale based on their performance in providing evidence-based care.
“Our hope is that by tracking and publicly reporting these measures, we can raise awareness of variation where it exists and help to ensure consistent, evidence-based care is provided across the United States,” ACC President Kim Allan Williams Sr., M.D., said in a statement. Hospitals volunteering data for public dissemination “are showing a true commitment to quality improvement and helping to ensure heart disease patients nationwide receive the best possible care.”
Participating hospitals release discharge medication data from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry’s ICD Registry and CathPCI Registry. All data are anonymous.