• Robert J Stachler, Kathleen Yaremchuk, and Jennifer Ritz.
• Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA.
• Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Jul 1;143(1):26-30, 30.e1-3.

ObjectiveTo utilize National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data to evaluate patient outcomes in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.Study DesignRetrospective medical chart abstraction of patients undergoing major surgical procedures in the inpatient and outpatient setting.SettingAcademic/teaching hospitals with more than 500 beds.Subjects And MethodsThe American College of Surgeons NSQIP collects data on 135 variables including preoperative risk factors, intraoperative variables, and 30-day-postoperative mortality and morbidity outcomes for patients undergoing major surgical procedures in the inpatient and outpatient setting. As of August 2008, there are currently 47 hospitals submitting data for otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.ResultsOpportunities for improvement were identified in respiratory, wound, and venothromboembolic (VTE) occurrences. Implementation of a standardized VTE and perioperative protocol resulted in a decreased length of stay and observed-to-expected (O/E) morbidity and mortality for all surgical services.ConclusionNSQIP reports form the basis for quality improvement with targeted interventions in areas of concern that result in changes in patient care processes. The reports are composed of outcomes-based, risk-adjusted data that are submitted by participating hospitals and have recently included data for otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Actions taken based on NSQIP data demonstrate improvements in patient morbidity and mortality, decreased length of stay, and decreased hospital costs. In a time of increased scrutiny of health care costs and outcomes, NSQIP is an important tool for surgeons to improve quality and decrease costs.2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

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