Quality Improvement Projects

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

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

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 patient’s education regarding heart failure treatment and management
  • Same-Day Discharge after Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
  • Reducing unnecessary myocardial perfusion scan ordering through provider education
  • 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