ROSEMONT, Ill. — In recognition of National Healthcare Quality Week, observed Oct. 19–25, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) reaffirms its commitment to advancing patient care through structured, evidence-based approaches that improve outcomes and support the vascular surgery community.
Led by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), the annual observance honors professionals dedicated to enhancing healthcare quality and safety nationwide.
SVS aligns its efforts with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s six domains of healthcare quality: safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient and equitable care. These principles are embedded in SVS programs and committees that aim to improve outcomes for vascular patients.
William Shutze, MD, chair of the Vascular Verification Program (VVP), attests that the VVP directly advances the domains by embedding the principles into its vascular care delivery.
“Through verification, programs commit to a culture of safety, evidence-based practice, patient-centered decision-making and efficient resource utilization. Verification transforms these six domains from abstract concepts into measurable, actionable improvements that support both our patients’ outcomes and the vitality of our specialty,” Shutze said.
Currently, eight hospitals have achieved verification through the program.
The SVS Quality and Performance Measures Committee (QPMC) defines meaningful metrics, interprets data and reports to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). These efforts help vascular surgeons succeed in value-based care and ensure transparency in performance reporting.
“Quality improvement is at the heart of everything we do as vascular surgeons,” said Caitlyn Hicks, MD, QMPC chair. “The QMPC empowers vascular surgeons to excel in value-based care by defining meaningful metrics, interpreting and reporting to CMS programs and driving measurable improvements in patient outcomes.”
The QMPC committee is developing two new quality measures, educational resources for the Vascular Surgery MIPS Value Pathway (MVP) and a Physician Quality Data Repository, which will allow physicians to enter their National Provider Identifier (NPI) and access their CMS quality data.
SVS supports continuous learning through its Quality Improvement Committee (QIC), which educates members on developing and executing impactful quality projects. The SVS Quality Improvement (QI) Consulting Program, now available, offers expert feedback and support to members navigating the evolving healthcare landscape and regulatory requirements.
“Quality improvement is the responsibility of each healthcare provider. Therefore, the SVS QIC is charged with educating each of our colleagues on fundamental principles and how to develop and execute a project that will affect current practice. The unified goal is to grow and become better together for our patients,” said Mrinal Shukla, MD, QIC vice chair.
The SVS Vascular Quality Initiative (SVS VQI), governed by the SVS Patient Safety Organization (PSO), plays a role in advancing national healthcare quality goals by collecting and analyzing data on vascular procedures to help physicians improve patient care. Through its network of regional quality groups, the SVS VQI leads three national quality initiatives: Smoking Cessation, Discharge Medications and EVAR Sac Diameter Reporting, each targeting critical aspects of vascular care.
To learn more about SVS quality programs, visit vascular.org/quality or email SVSQuality@vascularsociety.org.
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About SVS
The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) seeks to advance excellence and innovation in vascular health through education, advocacy, research, and public awareness. The organization was founded in 1946 and currently has a membership of approximately 6,500. SVS membership is recognized in the vascular community as a mark of professional achievement.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Megan Marcinko
svspress@vascularsociety.org