For over a decade, the societal move to improve the quality of health care in the United States has been gaining momentum. The cornerstones of this movement have been the development and implementation of disease-based standards of care and performance measurement. As part of efforts to improve the quality of healthcare in the United States, the National Quality Forum (NQF) and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations® ("JCAHO®") have developed a set of standardized inpatient measures for the assessment, prevention, and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) that are expected to be finalized in early 2007. A brief history of the development and requirements of adherence to those proposed standardized measures will be discussed.
Several major clinical trials have focused on antithrombotic therapies used for patients with or at risk for VTE and patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). These trials will help clarify issues surrounding the appropriate use of antithrombotic agents in the management of these conditions. Program faculty will describe the most current clinical research and evidence-based standards of care for the prevention and treatment of VTE and the management of ACS. Practical strategies for improving the quality of care for patients with or at risk for VTE and those patients with ACS will also be discussed.
"JCAHO" is a trademark of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. ASHP Advantage has no relationship or affiliation with the Joint Commission. The Joint Commission does not endorse or sponsor these programs. Statements or presentations in connection therewith by individuals in some way connected with the Joint Commission represent only their personal views and are not binding upon the Joint Commission.