2006 OPEN FORUM Abstracts
THE EVALUATION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE AND THE SERVICE DOMAIN IN CARDIAC AND PULMONARY REHABILITATION
P.D. Hoberty, EdD, RRT, Respiratory Therapy Division,
School of Allied Medical Professions, The Ohio State University, Columbus,
Ohio.
Background: Little is known about the quality assurance methods used in cardiac and
pulmonary rehabilitation. Also, little is known about to what extent the
service domain is evaluated and what methods are employed. Knowledge of what is
being done in these regards may facilitate programs effectively and efficiently
measuring these parameters.
Methods: A written questionnaire was mailed to 1/3 of the programs (approximately 400)
in both cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation listed in the AACVPR Program Guide
2004. The survey included questions that would add to the knowledge of the
extent of practice and methods. 12 components of quality assurance were listed
and 14 components of patient satisfaction were assessed as to frequency of use.
It was pilot tested and revised.
Results: The usable return rate was 48%. Program directors of both types of programs
claimed daily formal assessment of most of the 12 areas listed for quality
assurance. The three highest being the assessment of adverse events, safety and
patient satisfaction. The lowest use was in the areas of efficiency, timeliness
and continuity of care. The service domain was assessed at a rate comparable to
the other three: health, clinical and behavioral domains. Patient satisfaction
was the most commonly assessed component of the service domain with more than
90% of both types of programs measuring program effectiveness, overall program
quality and friendliness of staff. Managers most commonly sighted the
acquisition of new equipment as an end result of patient satisfaction assessment.
Conclusions: There was surprising
similarity to the results from programs in cardiac and pulmonary
rehabilitation.Quality assurance is very frequently assessed in both. Concern
for adverse events, safety and patient satisfaction predominate.