{
  "abstract": "Introduction Valvular heart disease (VHD) is a common cardiovascular condition that contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography remains an important imaging tool in diagnosing and assessing the severity of VHD. The BSE, BHVS, ESC, and EACTS societies have outlined guidelines for optimal surveillance times which ensures timely interventions and cost-effectiveness. A first-cycle quality improvement (QI) project aimed at adhering to those guidelines. This second-cycle QI project assesses the impact of implemented interventions.Purpose The main objective of this second-cycle QI project was to evaluate whether follow-up intervals in the valve surveillance clinic were in keeping with the established guidelines. Secondary objectives aim to ensure appropriate documentation of blood pressure, heart rate, medications, and assess the appropriateness of clinical indications for further follow-up visits.Methods 50 patients who attended the valve surveillance clinic, between May 2023 and July 2023, were identified from the hospital’s electronic care records. Valve surveillance reports were extracted and evaluated for valve severity, symptoms, haemodynamic status, regular medications, and adherence to recommended guidelines for follow-up.Results Compared to the first-cycle QI project, there was an 8% improvement in adherence to appropriate follow-up intervals, with 84% of patients being guideline compliant with appropriate interval follow-up. Of the non-compliant cases, 37.5% were being followed up too early and another 37% followed up too late. The remainder were cases where further surveillance was not needed and were booked in for further follow-ups. Documentation of blood pressure improved significantly, from 50% in the first cycle to 80% in this second cycle. Documentation of heart rate, symptoms, and medication lists remained consistently high.Conclusion This second-cycle QI project showed an improvement in adherence to recommended surveillance times for VHD. Continuous education and re-auditing are essential to the maintenance of delivering the best standards of care.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Stepping Hill Hospital"
      ],
      "name": "Kah Cheong Tong"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Stepping Hill Hospital"
      ],
      "name": "Ala Al-Qudah"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Stepping Hill Hospital"
      ],
      "name": "Rosica Panayotova"
    }
  ],
  "title": "1-044 An evaluation of follow-up intervals in valve surveillance clinic",
  "uid": "305f5ec7-72c0-50cb-b07b-0d544f3bf481"
}