About us
Quality Measurements and Outcomes
Quality measurements and outcome evaluation seeks to understand and ultimately improve the end results of health care practices and interventions. End results are in fact what our patients and physicians care about. By linking the care patients receive to the outcomes they experience, we have established our commitment to quality measurements and outcomes research as becoming the key to developing better ways to monitor and improve the quality of care we can provide.
Decision Making
For our physicians and patients, continuous monitoring of our quality outcomes provides factual evidence about benefits, risks, and results of treatments so each can make more informed decisions. By identifying and addressing our clinical outcomes we can assist our physicians in the future to determine potentially alternate options and therapies and ensure continued compliance to national standards to provide you with better care.
Measuring Outcomes
Historically, clinicians have relied primarily on traditional biomedical measures, such as the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic testing, to determine whether a health intervention is necessary and whether it is successful. However, we believe, if we continue to evaluate our quality and outcomes measurements to proven standards across the country we will be able to track many of the outcomes that matter most to our patients.
Reporting Outcomes
We are committed to providing our patients with our “report card”. Quality Outcomes measurements are the key to knowing not only what quality of care we can achieve, but how we can achieve and improve it. We hope that the information provided to you is valuable and assists you in making informed decisions regarding your ongoing and future healthcare needs.
* You will find that we have reported the Medicare Hospital Process of Care Measures for you. This includes a compilation of the patients that we see at EMH Regional Medical Center in Elyria, Community Health Partners in Lorain and Firelands Regional Medical Center in Sandusky. Should you like to view your own area hospitals reports please visit hospitalcompare.hhs.gov.
Heart Failure Measures
| Hospital Process of Care Measure | United States Average | Ohio Average | Percentage for NOH at EMH, CHP and FRMC |
| Percentage of Heart Failure Patients given Discharge Instructions if appropriate* | 66% | 78% | 92% of 717 |
| Percentage of Heart Failure Patients Given an Evaluation for Left Ventricular Systolic Function if appropriate* |
85% | 92% | 99% of 940 |
| Percentage of Heart Failure Patients Given ACE Inhibitor or ARB for Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction if appropriate* | 84% | 86% | 91% of 378 |
| Percentage of Heart Failure Patients given Smoking Cessation Advice and/or Counseling if appropriate* |
86% | 92% | 98% of 164 |
* This percentage includes only patients whose history and condition indicate the treatment is appropriate. Talk to your physician if you have questions about your treatment.
Important Outcomes Information for our Patients with Heart Failure
The following four graphs indicate how our overall practice meets the national standards in the following four categories.
- Appropriate Patient Care Discharge Instructions after Hospitalization
- Appropriate Evaluation of Heart Function
- Use of Medications used specifically for the diagnosis of Heart Failure
- Smoking Cessation Counseling
Graph 1: Percentage of Heart Failure Patients given Discharge Instructions
The rates displayed in this graph are from data reported for discharges July 2006 through June 2007
Top Hospitals represent the top 10% of hospitals nationwide. Top hospitals achieved a 96% rate or better. (Higher percentages are better)
Why this is Important
Heart Failure is a chronic condition. It results in symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness and fatigue. Before you leave the hospital, the physicians and staff should provide you with information to help you manage the symptoms after you get home. The information should include your…
- activity level (what you can and can not do)
- diet (what you should and should not eat or drink)
- medications
- follow-up appointment
- watching your daily weight
- what to do if your symptoms get worse
Graph 2: Percentage of Heart Failure Patients given an Evaluation of Left Ventricular Systolic Function
The rates displayed in this graph are from data reported for discharges July 2006 through June 2007
Top Hospitals represent the top 10% of hospitals nationwide. Top hospitals achieved a 100% rate or better. (Higher percentages are better)
Why this is Important
The proper treatment for heart failure depends on what area of your heart is affected. An important test is to check how your heart is pumping, called an “evaluation of the left ventricular systolic function.” It can tell your health care provider whether the left side of your heart is pumping properly. Other ways to check on how your heart is pumping include:
- your medical history
- a physical examination
- listening to your heart sounds
- other tests as ordered by a physician (like an ECG (electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, blood work, and an echocardiogram)
Graph 3: Percentage of Heart Failure Patients given ACE Inhibitor or ARB for Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
The rates displayed in this graph are from data reported for discharges July 2006 through June 2007
Top Hospitals represent the top 10% of hospitals nationwide. Top hospitals achieved a 100% rate or better. (Higher percentages are better)
Why this is Important
ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) are medicines used to treat patients with heart failure and are particularly beneficial in those patients with heart failure and decreased function of the left side of the heart.
Early treatment with ACE inhibitors and ARBs in patients who have heart failure symptoms or decreased heart function after a heart attack can also reduce their risk of death from future heart attacks. ACE inhibitors and ARBs work by limiting the effects of a hormone that narrows blood vessels, and may thus lower blood pressure and reduce the work the heart has to perform.
Since the ways in which these two kinds of drugs work are different, your doctor will decide which of these two kinds of drugs is most appropriate for you. If you have a heart attack and/or heart failure, you should get a prescription for ACE inhibitors or ARBs if you have decreased heart function before you leave the hospital.
Graph 4: Percentage of Heart Failure Patients given Smoking Cessation Advice/Counseling
The rates displayed in this graph are from data reported for discharges July 2006 through June 2007
Top Hospitals represent the top 10% of hospitals nationwide. Top hospitals achieved a 100% rate or better. (Higher percentages are better)
Why this is Important
Smoking increases your risk for developing blood clots and heart disease, which can result in a heart attack, heart failure or stroke. Smoking causes your blood vessels to thicken.
Fat and plaque then stick to the wall o f your blood vessels, which makes it harder for blood to flow. Reduced blood flow to your heart may result in chest pain, high blood pressure and an increased heart rate.
Smoking is linked to lung disease and cancer, and can cause premature death. It is important for your health that you get information to help you quit smoking before you leave the hospital.
| Hospital Process of Care Measure | United States Average | Ohio Average | Percentage for NOH at EMH, CHP and FRMC |
| Percentage of Heart Attack Patients Given Aspirin at Arrival if appropriate* | 93% | 95% | 97% of 440 |
| Percentage of Heart Attack Patients Given Aspirin at Discharge if Appropriate | 90% | 93% | 99% of 558 |
| Percentage of Heart Attack Patients Given ACE Inhibitor or ARB or Left Ventricular Systolic Disfunction if appropriate* | 85% | 85% | 95% of 160 |
| Percentage of Herat Attack Patients Given Smoking Cessation Advice or Counseling if appropriate* | 91% | 95% | 98% of 239 |
| Percentage of Heart Attack Patients Given Beta Blocker at Discharge if appropriate* | 91% | 93% | 99% of 564 |
| Percentage of Heart Attack Patients Given Beta Blocker at Arrival if appropriate* | 88% | 91% | 96% of 376 |
| Percentage of Heart Attack Patients Given Fobrinolytic Medication within 30 Minutes of Arrival of appropriate* | 39% | 41% | 57% of 7 |
| Percentage of Heart Attack Patients Given PCI within 90 Minutes of Arrival if appropriate* |
60% | 62% | 63% of 78 |
*This percentage includes only patients whose history and condition indicate the treatment is appropriate. Talk to your physician if you have questions about your treatment.
Important Outcomes Information for our Patients who have Experienced a Heart Attack
The following eight graphs indicate how our overall practice meets the national standards in the following categories if appropriate.
- Administration of Aspirin at the time of Patient Arrival
- Aspirin prescription at the time of Discharge
- ACE or ARB Prescription for Left Ventricular Dysfunction Smoking Cessation Advice and Counseling
- Beta Blocker Prescriptions at the time of Discharge
- Percent of Patients given Fibrinolytic Therapy within 30 Minutes of Arrival
- Patients who receive Percutaneous Coronary Intervention within 90 Minutes of Arrival
Graph 5: Percentage of Heart Attack Patients Given Aspirin at Arrival
The rates displayed in this graph are from data reported for discharges July 2006 through June 2007
Top Hospitals represent the top 10% of hospitals nationwide. Top hospitals achieved a 100% rate or better.(Higher percentages are better)
Why this is Important
The heart is a muscle that gets oxygen through blood vessels. Sometimes blood clots can block these blood vessels, and the heart can not get enough oxygen. This can cause a heart attack. Chewing an aspirin as soon as symptoms of a heart attack begin may help reduce the severity of the attack. This chart shows the percent of heart attack patients who were given (or took) aspirin within 24 hours of arrival to a hospital.
Graph 6: Percentage of Heart Attack Patients given Aspirin at Discharge
The rates displayed in this graph are from data reported for discharges July 2006 through June 2007
Top Hospitals represent the top 10% of hospitals nationwide. Top hospitals achieved a 100% rate or better. (Higher percentages are better)
Why this is Important
Blood clots can block blood vessels. Aspirin can help prevent blood clots from forming or help dissolve blood clots that have formed. Following a heart attack, continued use of aspirin may help reduce the risk of another heart attack. Aspirin can have side effects like stomach inflammation, bleeding or allergic reactions. Talk to your physician before using aspirin on a regular basis to make sure its safe for you.
Graph 7: Percentage of Heart Attack Patients Given ACE Inhibitor or ARB for Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
The rates displayed in this graph are from data reported for discharges July 2006 through June 2007
Top Hospitals represent the top 10% of hospitals nationwide. Top hospitals achieved a 100% rate or better. (Higher percentages are better)
Why this is Important
ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) are medicines used to treat patients with heart failure and are particularly beneficial in those patients with heart failure and decreased function of the left side of the heart. Early treatment with ACE inhibitors and ARBs in patients who have heart failure symptoms or decreased heart function after a heart attack can also reduce their risk of death from future heart attacks.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs work by limiting the effects of a hormone that narrows blood vessels, and may thus lower blood pressure and reduce the work the heart has to perform. Since the ways in which these two kinds of drugs work are different, your doctor will decide which drug is most appropriate for you. If you have a heart attack and/or heart failure, you should get a prescription for ACE inhibitors or ARBs if you have decreased heart function before you leave the hospital.
Graph 8: Percentage of Heart Attack Patients Given Smoking Cessation Advice/Counseling
The rates displayed in this graph are from data reported for discharges July 2006 through June 2007
Top Hospitals represent the top 10% of hospitals nationwide. Top hospitals achieved a 100% rate or better. (Higher percentages are better)
Why this is Important
Smoking increases your risk for developing blood clots and heart disease, which can result in a heart attack, heart failure or stroke. Smoking causes your blood vessels to thicken. Fat and plaque then stick to the wall o f your blood vessels, which makes it harder for blood to flow.
Reduced blood flow to your heart may result in chest pain, high blood pressure and an increased heart rate. Smoking is linked to lung disease and cancer, and can cause premature death. It is important for your health that you get information to help you quit smoking before you leave the hospital.
Graph 9: Percentage of Heart Attack Patients given a Beta Blocker at Discharge
The rates displayed in this graph are from data reported for discharges July 2006 through June 2007
Top Hospitals represent the top 10% of hospitals nationwide. Top hospitals achieved a 100% rate or better. (Higher percentages are better)
Why this is Important
Beta blockers are a type of medicine that is used to lower blood pressure, treat chest pain (angina) and heart failure and to help prevent a heart attack. Beta blockers relieve the stress on your heart by slowing the heart rate and reducing the force with which your heart muscles contract to pump blood. They also help keep blood vessels from constricting in your heart, brain, and body. If you have a heart attack, you should get a prescription for a beta blocker before you leave the hospital.
Graph 10: Percentage of Heart Attack Patients given a Beta Blocker at Arrival
The rates displayed in this graph are from data reported for discharges July 2006 through June 2007
Top Hospitals represent the top 10% of hospitals nationwide. Top hospitals achieved a 100% rate or better. (Higher percentages are better)
Why this is Important
Beta Blockers are a type of medicine that is used to lower blood pressure, treat chest pain (angina) and heart failure, and to help prevent a heart attack. Beta blockers relieve the stress on the heart by slowing the heart rate and reducing the force with which the heart muscle contracts 9to pump blood). Most heart attack patients should be given a beta blocker within 24 hours of arriving at the hospital.
Graph 11: Percentage of Heart Attack Patients given Fibrinolytic Medication within 30 Minutes of Arrival
The rates displayed in this graph are from data reported for discharges July 2006 through June 2007
Top Hospitals represent the top 10% of hospitals nationwide. Top hospitals achieved a 100% rate or better. (Higher percentages are better)
Why this is Important
The heart is a muscle that gets oxygen through blood vessels. Sometimes blood clots can block these blood vessels and the heart can not get enough oxygen. This can cause a heart attack. Fibrinolytic drugs are medicines that can help dissolve blood clots in blood vessels and improve blood flow to your heart. You should get them within 30 minutes of arrival at the hospital if appropriate.
Graph 12: Percentage of Heart Attack Patients given PCI within 90 Minutes of Arrival
The rates displayed in this graph are from data reported for discharges July 2006 through June 2007
Top Hospitals represent the top 10% of hospitals nationwide. Top hospitals achieved a 88% rate or better. (Higher percentages are better)
Why this is Important
The heart is a muscle that gets oxygen through blood vessels. Sometimes blood clots can block these blood vessels and the heart can not get enough oxygen. This can cause a heart attack.
Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI) are procedures that are among the most effective ways to open blocked blood vessels and help prevent further heart muscle damage. A PCI is performed by a doctor to open the blockage and increase blood flow in blocked blood vessels. Improving blood flow to your heart as quickly as possible lessens the damage to your heart muscle. It also can increase your chances of surviving a heart attack.
There are three procedures commonly described by the term PCI. These procedures all involve a catheter (a flexible tube) that is inserted, often through your leg, and guided through the blood vessels to the blockage. The three procedures are:
- Angioplasty – a balloon is inflated to open the blood vessel Stenting – a small wire tube called a stent is placed in the blood vessel to hold it open
- Atherectomy – a blade or laser cuts through and removes the blockage
We hope this information will assist you in acting in partnership with your physician, to make informed decisions regarding your care.
Feel free to discuss our outcomes and quality measurements with your North Ohio Heart cardiologist on your next visit.