NSQIP Report: Improved Outcomes = Improved Access

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) was implemented in 2011 as a measurement system to help understand the safety and effectiveness dimensions of surgical quality in British Columbia. NSQIP was selected from a variety of measurement options due to of its cross-specialty focus, strong data collection platform and ability to risk-adjust for comparison. It is being used at 24 hospitals across the province to monitor patient outcomes for 30 days after surgery.

Participating hospitals contribute data, receive reports and undertake improvement efforts. To support their efforts, we developed a surgical improvement strategy that includes: building networks of point-of-care teams and surgeon champions to lead improvement; clinically-focused initiatives to reduce adverse outcomes and complications; and improving culture, teamwork, and communication in the surgical environment.

This review examines the change in NSQIP data from 2011 to 2015 with the goal of quantifying improvements efforts. The primary focus was to assess changes in adverse outcomes; examine system capacity gained through reductions in length of stay, readmission, and reoperations; and describe organizational characteristics around data sharing and communication.

With these results, the aim is to develop a stronger understanding of how the NSQIP data are used, suggest key areas where future surgical improvement efforts can take place, and accelerate the success of the NSQIP program moving forward.