Some outcomes got worse, likely because of natural variations, but also because NSQIP definitions are strict and include a 30-day window, he said. For instance, more than half of urinary tract infections happen outside the hospital, but if they occur within 30 days of admission, they fall within the NSQIP 30-day morbidity outcome window.
Going forward, sustaining such collaboratives could be difficult, said Dr. Guillamondegui. "If you have a weak surgeon champion, then the program does nothing," especially if data are not being shared with other surgeons or the hospital administration. "If your culture isn’t capable of sustaining this, it will fail."
Dr. Cofer, Dr. Tepas, and Dr. Guillamondegui reported no conflicts. Dr. Richardson chairs the ACS NSQIP committee.