Pediatric NSQIP Update – Risk Adjusted Outcomes Data Released

The pediatric NSQIP program reached a major milestone this summer with the release of its first risk-adjusted analysis of institutional surgical outcomes.  The data involved 30 institutions enrolled in the Beta phase of the program in 2010 and is the first evaluation ever reported of risk-adjusted outcomes in the delivery of surgical care in the neonatal and pediatric populations.  Continued refinement of the risk-adjustment process will continue over time as the database expands and becomes more robust.

The ACS-NSQIP meeting was held in Boston this past July, and the Pediatric NSQIP program played a prominent role on the meeting’s agenda.  There were multiple presentations involving the Surgeon Champions and SCRs examining the newly released data, current challenges, and future goals of the program.

The Data Definition and Modeling and Evaluation Committees have been expanded to accommodate the recent additions of new institutions to the program, as there are now 44 institutions enrolled with several more beginning the application process. The three committees charged with the administration of the program – the Executive Steering Committee, Data Definitions Committee, and the Modeling and Evaluation Committee – now have subspecialty representation as well.  There are subspecialty working groups in Pediatric Orthopedics, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Pediatric Plastic Surgery, and Pediatric Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery.

Over the next year the program will focus on  evaluating the CPT procedure lists, developing pilot procedure specific clinical variables and outcomes, and refining the data analysis process.