Outcomes
Since our program began, we have consistently performed above the national average for pediatric cardiac surgery outcomes. To further improve that care, we maintain an extensive clinical database for each cardiac patient. We submit data annually to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), and compare our outcomes with other leading national and international programs. The STS member institutions work together to benchmark and analyze performance, and improve pediatric cardiac care worldwide.
What Our Patients’ Families Are Saying…
Key goals of the Mary Bridge Pediatric Heart Program are to focus on quality outcomes and service. In early 2005, we developed a Patient and Family Satisfaction Survey to measure our care delivery and customer service, and help us improve our program’s service.We distribute the survey to families with children who have had heart surgery at Mary Bridge, inquiring about their experience with our care team, services, and surgical and hospital stays. Surveys are completed anonymously after a child’s post-operative visits. Families rank their responses utilizing a five-point scale – from extremely satisfied to extremely dissatisfied. Survey data is collected and evaluated to confirm statistical significance and categorize findings.
Families rate our program in areas such as skill, sensitivity, compassion and accessibility. For the purpose of our analysis and improvement efforts, we focus on the percentage of responses for each area within the “extremely satisfied” category, as we seek to have this score be 100 percent. Findings, thus far, include:
- 90 percent are extremely satisfied with our accessibility for help when needed
- 90 percent are extremely satisfied with our compassion for them and their child
- 97 percent of families are extremely satisfied with our sensitivity to their child’s needs
- 97 percent are extremely satisfied with our taking the time to listen and answer their questions
- 97 percent were extremely satisfied with the skill/ability of our surgical team
“We have never felt so taken care of.”
“I felt comfortable going home at night when my daughter was there.”
“They told us what to expect at all times and helped us through this.”
“Mary Bridge and the staff were awesome.”
This feedback from families is a testament to our mission and commitment to quality care. We share these survey results with program staff and physicians, discuss improvement opportunities with our team, and utilize the information that our survey tool continues to provide in an effort to provide the best care.