Indicadores de qualidade no pós-cirurgia cardíaca

Abstract

Introduction: Quality indicators are essential tools for assessing healthcare, especially in cardiac surgery. They provide quantitative and qualitative data to monitor the effectiveness of care, identify areas for improvement, and ensure patient safety. In the management of post-surgical complications, they help measure mortality, infection, and readmission rates, providing a clear view of the quality of care. With cardiovascular diseases as one of the leading causes of death, the effective use of these indicators is crucial to promote safe care aligned with health guidelines. Objectives: This essay aims to understand the quality indicators used in the management of complications after cardiac surgery, analyzing their impact and clinical outcomes. Methods: This is a theoretical essay based on a literature review on quality indicators in post-surgical management, with data collected from the Virtual Health Library (BVS) and Scielo, using the descriptors “quality” and “thoracic surgery”. Results and Discussion: Cardiovascular surgery historically presents high rates of complications. Indicators such as mortality rates and postoperative complications are essential for assessing the quality of care. The scarcity of data and protocols limits the understanding of care quality. Standardization of indicators is necessary to improve safety and efficiency. Final Considerations: Knowing quality indicators is essential for managers and health teams, identifying weaknesses in care practices. The research highlights the need for international standardization of indicators and the implementation of a safety culture to ensure favorable clinical outcomes.