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Clinical Workgroups
The Virginia Heart Attack Coalition (VHAC) Clinical Workgroups are specialized teams composed of healthcare professionals, researchers, and experts dedicated to improving cardiovascular care across Virginia. The VHAC Clinical Workgroups play a critical role in developing statewide protocols and recommendations. Their efforts drive consistency in care, ensuring all Virginians receive timely, effective treatment for heart disease, ultimately advancing the coalition's mission to prevent heart attacks and improve cardiovascular health across the state.
ED Bypass & False Activation
​The ED Bypass and False Activation Workgroup is dedicated to optimizing the use of emergency department resources and ensuring accurate activation of heart attack protocols. This combined workgroup reviews data to establish and promote standardized ED Bypass protocols, reducing time to reperfusion therapy by enabling direct transport to PCI-capable hospitals. Simultaneously, the workgroup aims to minimize false activations by improving diagnostic accuracy, thus ensuring appropriate use of medical resources. By developing educational materials and clear guidelines, the workgroup seeks to enhance the efficiency and quality of patient care.
2024 Statewide Meeting Material
Presentation
PreAct
Champions:
Peter O'Brien, MD (Centra) and Michael Kontos, MD (VCU)
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2024 Statewide Meeting Material
Cardiogenic Shock
The SHOCK Workgroup is focused on improving the management and outcomes of patients experiencing cardiogenic shock. By analyzing data and creating educational resources, this workgroup aims to establish guidelines for early identification and intervention. The workgroup promotes the use of advanced hemodynamic support and monitors the effectiveness of these interventions in clinical practice.
Champions:
Dr. Chalak Berzingi (Carilion), Francesco Moroni, MD (UVA), and Dr. Mark Joseph (Carilion)
Presentation
Data Managers FTE Recommendations
Developed by the VCSQI Quality Committee and CathPCI Data Managers, this document offers strategic guidance on allocating Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) across cardiac data registries. It aims to optimize resources, manage workloads, and improve data quality while ensuring staff well-being. Recommendations are based on an analysis of time spent on chart abstractions and related tasks.
Resources & Tools:
FTE Recommendations and Optimizer
ECG Education
The ECG Education Workgroup aims to enhance the early detection and treatment of heart attacks through improved ECG interpretation. This workgroup reviews current training programs, identifies gaps, and develops comprehensive educational modules for healthcare providers including EMS personnel. By promoting ECG education, the workgroup seeks to improve the accuracy of heart attack diagnosis and treatment.
2024 Statewide Meeting Material
Presentation
Syllabus
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Champions:
Bob Page (VA Educator) & Sheree Emore (Carilion)
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2024 Statewide Meeting Material
Presentation
PE Response Team
The PE Response Team Workgroup focuses on improving the response to pulmonary embolisms (PE) in heart attack patients. This workgroup reviews data, develops support tools, and creates best practice guidelines for PE Response Teams. The goal is to facilitate rapid identification and treatment of PE, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and improving patient outcomes.
Champions:
Michael Kelley, MD (Carilion) and Jessica Moutjoy (Mary Washington)
2024 Statewide Meeting Material
Presentation
Thrombolytics
The Thrombolytics Workgroup is dedicated to enhancing the use of thrombolytic therapy in treating heart attacks. This workgroup focuses on reviewing data, developing educational materials, and establishing standardized protocols to ensure the timely and effective administration of thrombolytics. The goal is to improve patient outcomes by promoting best practices and reducing delays in treatment.
Champions:
John Patterson, MD (HCA), Michael Kontos, MD (VCU) and Richard Konstance, MD (HCA)