Impact of a Continuous Quality Improvement Committee on Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Continuous quality improvement (CQI) programs aim to enhance procedural safety and efficiency in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This analysis evaluates changes in PCI practice patterns and outcomes after implementation of a multidisciplinary catheterization laboratory CQI committee at a large academic center. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted regarding PCI procedures from January 2018 to June 2024 using National Cardiovascular Data Registry CathPCI data. Outcomes and practice patterns were compared before (pre-CQI: 2018-October 2022) versus after CQI implementation (post-CQI: November 2022-2024). Prespecified primary end points were post-PCI acute kidney injury, periprocedural hemoglobin change, and same-day discharge. Results Among 2759 PCI cases (1783 pre-CQI; 976 post-CQI), monthly PCI volume increased (30.7-48.2 cases/mo, P < .001). Post-CQI, radial access use increased (33.4%-58.9%, P < .001) and mean contrast volume decreased (188-153 mL, P < .001). Primary outcomes improved post-CQI: acute kidney injury decreased (14.3%-9.7%, P = .01), mean periprocedural hemoglobin change decreased (0.65-0.54 g/dL, P = .004), and same-day discharge increased (13.0%-24.7%, P < .001). Overall complication rates and in-hospital mortality remained stable. Conclusions Implementation of a catheterization laboratory CQI committee was temporally associated with improved PCI safety and discharge efficiency alongside increased procedural volume and evolving case mix. These findings support CQI-driven approaches to optimize PCI care delivery.
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,400
OpenAlex ID: W7203833605
