Performance in key outcome measures for children and adults.
Pulmonary function and nutrition are considered as important indicators of the health of CF patients. These two aspects have very significant prognostic implications and are strong determinants of longevity and quality of life. The Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1, the volume of air a person is able to forcefully blow out in a second) is considered the best indicator of lung function. The Body Mass Index (BMI, a ratio of body weight to stature) is considered a good indicator of nutritional status.
Our data is shown compared to the average outcomes reported by the CF Foundation for all accredited CF Centers in the US and also against the values reported by those Centers regarded as top 10 performers. As can be seen in several aspects we are considered as belonging to the top 10 performers.
Care Provision Performance
Current guidelines of care recommend that patients with cystic fibrosis be evaluated at an accredited CF Center at least quarterly. In addition patients should undergo pulmonary function testing at least two times a year and have a culture of their respiratory secretions done at least once a year. The recommendation is also to increase the frequency of follow up for those patients that have more severe disease.
These are important aspects of patient care that are influenced by many factors, including geographic distance to the Center and insurance. However we monitor this closely and strive to see that the majority of our patients meet the minimum standards of care.
Our data is again shown compared to the average outcomes reported by the CF Foundation for all accredited CF Centers in the US and also against the values reported by those Centers considered as top 10 performers.
Quality Improvement
Two important aspects of our patient’s health have been the focus of our quality improvement efforts. We have worked aggressively in improving both our nutritional management program and the respiratory care aspects of our program. The positive temporal trends noted are good evidence of our success in improving these important aspects of the care delivery model we offer. In addition these efforts are keeping us at par with the trends noted in the top 10 performers.
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