Defining quality at Catholic Healthcare West

Catholic Healthcare West, a provider network that includes 48 acute-care facilities in California, Arizona, and Nevada, is reassessing its care of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Several studies have indicated that many patients with AMI and congestive heart failure do not receive appropriate medical treatment while hospitalized. In some cases, there is resistance among clinicians to change aspects of care—particularly prescribing habits. We sought to improve the use of aspirin and β-blocker therapy for patients diagnosed with AMI and the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for patients with congestive heart failure. We found the use of a registry that collects data on patients and their care and generates reports for system review is helpful in measuring improvement in delivery of care.