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Quality of Care

AHRQ Adult Safety Indicators - Other


What is the source of these Clinical Data comparisons?
The adult patient safety measures other 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.


AHRQ - Death in low mortality DRG
·A low number is better

What this means: This measures the percentage of patients who are perceived to be low-risk who die unexpectedly in the hospital. DRG means "Diagnosis-Related Groups" and is a way that hospitals classify patients.

Why is it important: A low rate is an indicator of good patient care process.

AHRQ - Death in low mortality DRG
Oct '14 - Sep '15

* National Comparison: 100+ Academic Medical Centers

AHRQ - Decubitus ulcer
·A low number is better

What this means: This measures the percentage of cases of "decubitus ulcer" (also known as pressure sores or bedsores) who have been in the hospital more than four days. Pressure sores can develop when a person is immobile and are more likely to occur among elderly or fragile patients.

Why is it important: Pressure sores can develop into wounds that are complicated to treat. A low rate is an indicator of good patient care process.

AHRQ - Decubitus ulcer
Oct '14 - Sep '15

* National Comparison: 100+ Academic Medical Centers

AHRQ - Death among surgical inpatients with serious treatable complications
·A low number is better

What this means: This measures the percentage of deaths among patients who developed complications during hospitalization.

Why is it important: A low rate is an indicator of good patient care process.

AHRQ - Death among surgical inpatients with serious treatable complications
Oct '14 - Sep '15

* National Comparison: 100+ Academic Medical Centers

AHRQ - Iatrogenic pneumothorax
·A low number is better

What this means: This indicator flags the percentage of cases of pneumothorax caused by medical care. "Pneumothorax" is air in the chest, outside of the lung, which can cause the lung to collapse. "Iatrogenic" refers to any condition caused by medical or therapeutic care.

Why is it important: A small pneumothorax may resolve itself without treatment; a pneumothorax resulting from lung disease or injury requires immediate treatment.

AHRQ - Iatrogenic pneumothorax
Oct '14 - Sep '15

* National Comparison: 100+ Academic Medical Centers

AHRQ - Central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections
·A low number is better

What this means: This indicates the percentage of patients that developed infections resulting from hospitalization.

Why is it important: Good patient care process reduces the risk for this complication.

AHRQ - Central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections
Oct '14 - Sep '15

* National Comparison: 100+ Academic Medical Centers

AHRQ - Accidental puncture / laceration
·A low number is better

What this means: This refers to the percentage of unintended injuries during a procedure among surgical patients.

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

AHRQ - Accidental puncture / laceration
Oct '14 - Sep '15

* National Comparison: 100+ Academic Medical Centers