ANZSCTS Cardiac Surgery Database Program: National Report 2011

Progress towards a National Cardiac Surgery Quality Assurance Program has been constantly developing over the past decade. Commencing in 2001 with the establishment of the Victorian Database Program, the program has continued to mature and develop towards truly National coverage. This is the fifth National Report of the ANZSCTS Database Program. That is, the fifth year when information from meaningful numbers of patients who had cardiac surgery in States other than Victoria contributed to the database. The format of data presentation in the report enables individual units to compare their performance to the other participants. Hospital and surgeon comparative data, where given, is coded. Each hospital will be informed of the codes relevant to it and only to it. Statistical analysis of unit and surgeon performance for coronary artery surgery is given. The data in the Web-based National Unit Report module may be used by each Unit to compare its outcomes- on a broad range of parameters with that of the entire group. Indeed, Units may use the web-based Report to do so for individual surgeons. The Society will continue in its mission to ensure and maintain high quality and safety standards are being met in all Units across Australia undertaking cardiac surgical procedures. Gil Shardey, Chairman, Steering Committee