AHRQ Pediatric Safety Indicators - Surgical

What is the source of these Clinical Data comparisons?
The pediatric safety measures surgical shown below have been identified by the Agency for Healthcare Research (AHRQ) as being important indicators of care quality. Upstate Medical University participates in these evidence based data collections by making clinical information available to support such efforts.

The "AHRQ Target" shown in these comparisons is a calculated measure developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research, and it is based on risk adjustment information about Upstate Medical University patients. It reflects the fact that some patients are sicker than others or have preexisting conditions that make death more likely. These measures show Upstate Medical University actual and predicted outcomes as well as Upstate Medical Universities performance in relationship to other academic medical centers, as represented by the "Academic Centers' Median" shown.

What this means: This assesses the percentage of cases of unexpected bleeding after surgery that require a procedure to correct. "Hematoma" is blood that pools under the skin and "hemorrhage" is blood loss. This is measured as a percentage of surgical patients who had an operating room procedure.

Why is it important: This can be a serious condition and thus is a suitable measure of patient safety.

What this means: "Respiratory failure" occurs when the oxygen level in the blood is too low or the level of carbon dioxide is too high. This is a serious condition and this measures the percentage of cases of respiratory failure following surgery.

Why is it important: Postoperative Respiratory Failure is a serious complication in surgical care and thus is a suitable measure of patient safety.

What this means: This measures the percentage of patients who have infection in their blood or tissue following surgery.

Why is it important: Sepsis following surgery is a serious complication, but many cases are preventable through good patient care process.

What this means: This refers to when a surgical wound reopens.

Why is it important: Nationwide, certain procedures, especially abdominal surgeries, are associated with a higher incidence of wound dehiscence. This is a serious complication requiring immediate medical attention.

What this means: This measures the percentage of deaths among patients undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease patients.

Why is it important: A low number is an indicator of good patient care process and surgical techniques.