Abstract
The emphasis on quality assurance and process improvement (QAPI) has evolved in transplant programs since 2007 with implementation of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Conditions of Participation (CMS CoPs). Since release of the CMS CoPs, private insurers, as well as CMS, are focused on transplant center outcomes reported by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR). Programs have expanded staffing to include professionals whose knowledge and expertise is in quality. Most transplant programs now include quality managers, data coordinators, and analysts to help ensure data integrity and quality outcomes are compliant with required expectations. Larger transplant programs may have a statistician on board while others have access to a statistician to address the complexities of data analysis. The development and management of a QAPI program for transplantation requires special skills and knowledge that most transplant professionals have not received in undergraduate or graduate studies. In this chapter, readers are provided with tools for developing scorecards, performance measures, and a quality plan that is structured on the CMS QAPI recommendations. Examples specific to heart transplantation are provided. Special attention is given to methods for ensuring data integrity and analysis for adult transplant programs.
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Ohler, L., Lai, J., Oliveras, W. (2020). Quality Assurance and Process Improvements. In: Bogar, L., Stempien-Otero, A. (eds) Contemporary Heart Transplantation. Organ and Tissue Transplantation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33280-2_29-1
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