Quality Improvement Projects


2020-2021 Projects

  • Online Training for Basic Cardiac Catheterization Knowledge
  • Vascular Access with Bedside Ultrasound
  • Improving the Nightly Sign Out Process
  • Automation of Electrolyte Replacement in Intensive Care
  • Reviving Cardiac Rehabilitation in the Cardiac Patient
  • A Novel Approach to Informed Consent for Invasive Cardiac Procedures

2019-2020 Projects

  • Enhancing Fellow Knowledge of Catheterization Laboratory Workflow
  • Reducing Overuse of Inpatient Telemetry
  • Efficiency Improvements to Stress Echocardiography
  • Reducing Waste in Outpatient Clinic Workflows
  • Improving Patient Experience with Informed Consent
  • Addressing Contrast Nephropathy due to Coronary Angiography

2018-2019 Projects

  • Enhancements to a Post-MI Early Follow-up Clinic
  • Improved Adherence to LifeVest Usage
  • Reducing Low-Value Echocardiograms through Menu Redesign
  • Improving Efficiency of Elective Admission for Rhythm Drug Loading
  • An Outpatient Infusion Center for Acute Decompensated CHF
  • Standardizing Care of Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices

2017-2018 Projects

  • Reducing Overuse of Telemetry
  • Ordering Menu Redesign to Improve Appropriateness of Noninvasive Cardiac Tests
  • Reduced Radiation Exposure for Operators with New Catheterization Laboratory Equipment
  • Educating Psychiatry Trainees and Faculty on Assessment for QT Prolongation
  • Cardiogenic Shock Team

2016-2017 Projects

  • Improved Recording of Complications from Cardiac Catheterization Procedures
  • Implementation of a Risk Assessment Tool for Contrast Induced Nephropathy in the Cath Lab
  • Reducing Overuse of Telemetry
  • Reducing Overuse of Unnecessary Echocardiography
  • Standardizing IABP Removal in the CCU
  • Improve Patient Awareness of Periprocedural Anticoagulation Management for Cardiac Device Implantation
  • Increasing Statin Use among Patients with Elevated Calcium Scores
  • Reduced NPO Times Prior to Cardiac Catheterization
  • Standardization of CT and Nuclear Reporting
  • Stress First MPI Protocol to Reduce Time and Radiation

2015-2016 Projects

  • Same-Day Discharge after Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
  • Improved Recording of Complications from Cardiac Catheterization Procedures
  • Reduced Preoperative Cardiac Consultations
  • Reducing Unnecessarily Repeated Limited Echo on Inpatients
  • Implementation of a Risk Assessment Tool for Contrast Induced Nephropathy in the Cath Lab
  • Assessment of Interpretation of Common Electrocardiograms among Physicians
  • Confidence of Medical Trainees in Interpreting Electrocardiograms
  • A Pharmacist-Assisted Protocol for Management of Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs (Ann Pharmacother 2017;51:39-43.)

2014-2015 Projects

  • Reducing Erroneous Findings of Anterior Wall Infarction Represented by Poor R Wave Progression on ECG due to Lead Malpositioning
  • Using Online Educational Videos to Improve Patients’ Education Regarding Heart Failure Treatment and Management
  • Same-Day Discharge after Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
  • Reducing Unnecessary Myocardial Perfusion Scan Ordering through Provider Education (Open Heart 2017;4:e000589.)
  • Improvements to Track of Potential Complications from Amiodarone Therapy
  • Improved Recording of Complications from Cardiac Catheterization Procedures

2013-2014 Projects

  • Improving Communication between the Cardiology Consult Service and Housestaff Teams at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center
  • Deciphering the Bundle: A protocol to Reduce Cancelled Alerts for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Left Bundle Branch Block
  • Improving Patient Notification to Prevent Cancellation of Myocardial Perfusion Studies
  • Video Demonstration of Pre-Cath Instructions to Improve Patient Satisfaction
  • Tutorial for Proper Pre-Cath Assessment
  • Improving Appropriateness of STEMI Alert Activations
  • Improving Inpatient STEMI Protocol
  • Improving PA Catheter Management