An interdisciplinary team is evaluating the hospital's care of patients admitted with a myocardial infarction (heart attack) compared to national standards. The team analyzes the hospital's clinical indicator, which would be: (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. aspirin order within 24 hours of discharge.
b. patient teaching related to stopping smoking completed prior to discharge.
c. beta blocker administered upon arrival.
d. support of employer to modify stress in workplace.
e. patient's willingness to adhere to a strict cardiac diet after discharge.

Answer 1

ANS: A, B, C
Correct: Clinical indicators are measurable items that reflect the quality of care provided and demonstrate the degree to which desired clinical outcomes are accomplished. National benchmarks are established according to guidelines related to quality care for patients admitted with heart attack and include: aspirin within 24 hours of admission, Angiotensin receptor blocker at discharge, stop smoking instruction given, and beta blocker administered upon arrival and discharge. These are all measurable.
Incorrect:
d. It is not possible to measure the support of the employer to modify stress.
e. The patient may adhere to the cardiac diet while hospitalized but postdischarge behavior is not measurable and does not reflect on the quality of care provided in hospital.