Left Ventricular Function Assessment for Heart Failure Patients at HealthONE Hospitals in Denver, Colorado

Timeframe: January 2011 through March 2011
(Most Recent Data Available)

Timeframe: October 2009 through September 2010
(Yearly National and State Comparisons)

What Does This Measure?

The percentage of heart failure patients who received an evaluation of how well the left side of the heart is pumping blood.

Why Is This Important?

The proper treatment for heart failure depends on what area of the heart is affected. A left ventricular systolic (LVS) function assessment checks how the left side of the heart is pumping.

What Are We Doing to Improve Our Performance?

HealthONE hospitals have implemented several initiatives to improve our performance on this measure. These include:

• Electronic medication records
• Evidence-based medicine
• Nurse and physician training
• Patient safety and quality committee