Measuring Quality of Care in Patients With Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: Development of an Explicit Quality Indicator Set

F Kanwal, A Barkun, IM Gralnek, SM Asch, Ernst Kuipers, Marc Bardou, J Sung, R Enns, L Agreus, D Armstrong, BMR Spiegel

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40 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: With an increasing emphasis on quality in health care and recognition of inconsistencies in the management of patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (NVUGIH), it is critical to establish a set of explicit quality indicators (QIs) in NVUGIH. METHODS: We conducted a nine-member, multidisciplinary expert panel and followed modified Delphi methods to systematically identify a set of QIs for NVUGIH. The panel performed independent ratings of each candidate QI using a nine-point RAND appropriateness scale, then met in person and re-voted using an iterative process of discussion. The final set comprised QIs with a median RAND Appropriateness Score >= 7 and no disagreement among experts. RESULTS: Among 116 candidate QIs, the panel rated 26 as valid measures of quality care. The selected QIs cover pre-endoscopy, endoscopy, and post-endoscopy care, including diagnosis, early resuscitation, risk stratification, endoscopic care, Helicobacter pylori management, and proton pump inhibitor therapy. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed an explicit set of evidence-based QIs in NVUGIH, providing physicians and institutions with a tool to identify processes amenable to quality improvement. This tool is intended to be applicable in all institutions providing care for NVUGIH patients.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages (from-to)1710-1718
Number of pages9
JournalAmerican Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume105
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

Research programs

  • EMC MM-04-20-01

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