Pittsburgh Surgical Outcomes Research Center
Transforming the conduct of clinical research

Quality Improvement

Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) Pilot Project

This is a pilot project with the goal of adding information on the “patient experience” & quality of life to the MBSAQIP data set. They have developed an automated system that sends emails and reminders to patients once they are registered (preoperative and annually). Validated tools are utilized (PROMIS 10, Obesity-related Problem Scale, Obesity and Weight Loss Quality of Life Instrument). Data is compiled by patient, provider, and center, and further broken down by surgeon and center with a national comparison by procedure.

Bariatric Surgery Targeting Opioid Prescriptions (BSTOP)

This is a collaborative project with the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). The goal is to improve patient pain control while reducing both prescriptions and patient utilization of opioids in the short and long-term after bariatric surgery.  The protocol includes: patient education, use of regional analgesia, increased utilization of multi-modal pain strategies during hospitalization, use of non-opioid pain medications postoperatively, monitoring of opioids, and compliance with the SUPPORT Act (prescription medication disposition).

Readmission Reduction QI Project:

This is a Minimally Invasive Bariatric and General Surgery (MIBGS) division project focusing on  preventable readmissions, especially admissions from the emergency department for intolerance to food and liquids and dehydration. A Power Plan was developed based on a similar project for OB patients experiencing hyperemesis. The goal is to attempt adequate hydration, nausea and pain treatment, and diagnostic evaluation in the ER before considering admission.