Our Summary

This research paper looked at how hospital rankings published by U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) match up to clinical data on cardiac surgery outcomes collected by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). The study’s authors compared these two sets of rankings over a five-year period.

The researchers found no correlation between the USNWR rankings and the STS data. In other words, a hospital’s rank in the USNWR list did not agree with its performance rating according to the STS data. This lack of agreement was consistent over the five years studied. Even when looking at hospitals that consistently ranked in the top 100 of the USNWR list, there was no link between changes in a hospital’s rank and changes in its STS performance rating.

The authors conclude that the USNWR rankings, which are aimed at consumers, may not reflect actual clinical outcomes. Instead, other factors not related to surgical outcomes might be influencing these rankings.

FAQs

  1. What was the main finding of the research paper comparing hospital rankings by U.S. News & World Report and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons?
  2. Was there a consistent correlation between a hospital’s rank in the USNWR list and its STS performance rating over the five years studied?
  3. What factors might be influencing the USNWR rankings if they do not reflect actual clinical outcomes as per the STS data?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cardiac surgery is to not solely rely on hospital rankings published by sources like U.S. News & World Report. It is important to do thorough research on a hospital’s actual clinical outcomes, such as those collected by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, to ensure the best possible care for your cardiac surgery. It is also important to have open and honest communication with your healthcare team and ask any questions you may have about the procedure and recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended cardiac surgery include those with severe coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, congenital heart defects, or heart failure. These patients may have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or palpitations that are not adequately controlled with medications or other treatments. Additionally, patients who have had a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event may also be candidates for cardiac surgery.

It is important for patients to carefully consider the reputation and track record of the hospital where they are considering undergoing cardiac surgery. While hospital rankings such as those published by USNWR may provide some information, it is also crucial to review clinical data on outcomes, such as that collected by the STS, to ensure the hospital has a proven track record of success in performing cardiac surgeries.

Timeline

Before cardiac surgery, a patient typically undergoes a series of tests and consultations with their healthcare team to determine the best course of treatment. This may include diagnostic tests, such as imaging scans and blood tests, as well as discussions about the procedure and potential risks.

After the surgery, the patient will be monitored closely in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a period of time to ensure their stability and recovery. This may involve medication management, pain control, and physical therapy to aid in the healing process.

In the weeks and months following cardiac surgery, the patient will continue to follow up with their healthcare team for post-operative care, including monitoring of their heart function, rehabilitation exercises, and lifestyle changes to promote heart health. It is important for patients to adhere to their prescribed medications and follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations for long-term care to optimize their recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about cardiac surgery include:

  1. What is my specific diagnosis and why do I need cardiac surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of my condition and quality of life?
  4. How experienced is the surgical team in performing this specific type of cardiac surgery?
  5. What is the hospital’s track record for cardiac surgery outcomes, such as mortality rates and complication rates?
  6. What is the recovery process like after the surgery and what kind of support will I need?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
  8. What is the follow-up care plan after the surgery and how will my progress be monitored?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or medications I will need to take after the surgery to maintain heart health?

By asking these questions and discussing them with your healthcare provider, you can make a more informed decision about undergoing cardiac surgery and choose the right hospital for your care.

Reference

Authors: Jawitz OK, Vekstein AM, Young R, Vemulapalli S, Zwischenberger BA, Thibault DP, O’Brien S, Shahian DM, Badhwar V, Thourani VH, Jacobs JP, Smith PK. Journal: Ann Thorac Surg. 2023 Feb;115(2):533-540. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2022.06.050. Epub 2022 Aug 4. PMID: 35932793