“ Low quality ” Interventions in “ high quality ” cath labs

Recently, I visited a seven-star cardiology center. It had a fascinating lab with a near-360-degree roaming arm and floor (even the roof, I think!). The lab also had provision for optional thoracotomy support by surgeons and a CT scan. What’s more, I was told that an adorable robot will soon be added to the cath lab workforce to assist in delivering and maneuvering catheters. It’s truly amazing to see the advancements in science! I asked the chief staff nurse how many procedures are being performed per day. She pulled out an Excel chart from a gesture-controlled touch panel. It was clocking about 20 to 25 cases per day. The lab performed the best of all procedures in our country. Great, well done, and congratulations, even as my lips uttered, my mind was thinking the opposite. Do we require such labs when the majority of the population struggle to get even basic medical care in emergencies? Quantity vs quality of procedures  The said lab went on to achieve 2000 cases recently. It was crowned with glory in a stunning anniversary bash. We all take pride in numerical accomplishments. Quantity is easily measured. It’s simple mathematics. Assessing quality is a tricky one. Even professionally well-accomplished interventions may be of low quality. Low quality and low impact may not be synonymous; still, it conveys the same meaning if we look at it from the patient’s perspective. The quality of the procedure shall be assessed with reference t...
Source: Dr.S.Venkatesan MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Uncategorized comparative efficacy trials cost effectiveness in medicine ethics in medicine EVO;LUTE PRO SAPIENS XT health economics HYBRID CATH LAB TAVR TAVI VALVE IN VALVE Source Type: blogs