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Table 1 The indicator set.

From: A cluster randomized controlled trial of a clinical pathway for hospital treatment of heart failure: study design and population

Indicator (measure)

Typology

Criterion met/expected change

Measure

In hospital mortality

Outcome

Differences in rates

%

Length of hospital stay

Outcome

Differences in mean values

days

Appropriateness of the stay (with Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol – AEP)

Outcome

Differences in rates

%

Costs of the stay (with Activity Based Costing – ABC)

Outcome

Differences in mean values

€ (euro)

Rate of unscheduled readmissions (within 31 days)

Outcome

Differences in rates

%

Patients' satisfaction (survey with 16 items questionnaire)

Outcome

Differences in mean values

score (1–10)

Diagnostic procedures during hospital stay

Process

Differences in rates

%

   Echocardiography

   

   Trans-oesophageal echocardiography

   

   Electrocardiography

   

   Chest x-rays

   

   Oximetry

   

   Weight monitoring

   

   Diuresis monitoring

   

Medical treatment during hospital stay

Process

Differences in rates

%

   Inotropes

   

   ACE-inhibitors

   

   Beta-blockers

   

   Diuretics

   

   Nitrates

   

   Other vasodilators

   

   Heparin

   

   Oral anticoagulants

   

   Anti-platelets agents

   

Left ventricular function (LVF) assessment rate at discharge (or planned for after discharge)

Process

Given to all patients

%

Rehabilitation rate at discharge (or planned for after discharge)

Process

Given to all patients

%

Advice/counseling rate for smoking cessation at discharge

Process

Given to all patients (current smokers)

%

Written instructions rate at discharge (activity level, diet, discharge medications, follow up, weight monitoring and what to do if symptoms worsen)

Process

Given to all patients

%

ACE-inhibitor rate at discharge (without contraindications, with LVF < 40%)

Process

Given to all patients

%