The Bree Collaborative responded Sept. 1 to public comments on the draft heart surgery report. The collaborative considered structural changes to its recommendations on issues like provider accountability, pre and post-operative requirements, and patient caregiver supports. While the collaborative has not formally approved the report or potential changes, it appears as if our concerns around care giver supports will be addressed, but other issues concerning quality reporting requirements and pre and post-operative arrangements between providers/facilities will not. The group will vote to approve a revised report at its next meeting on Sept. 16.
WSHA fully supports efforts to improve patient safety and recovery while reducing costs associated with heart surgery. However, we have some concerns with how the recommendations are calibrated. We appreciate the collaborative’s attention to this very important issue. (Ian Corbridge)
