Quality Improvement in Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome: Continuing Medical Education and Peer Coaching Improve Antiplatelet Medication Adherence and Reduce Hospital Readmissions

摘要

Background: Reducing hospital readmissions and improving patient adherence to antiplatelet medications after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event are important goals for improving patient health and decreasing healthcare costs. Nearly half of patients will have a secondary event within 1 year of the initial ACS event. Quality improvement (QI) initiatives that include continuing medical education and peer coaching may improve physician practice patterns and, therefore, patient outcomes. Methods: This study evaluated the impact of a QI initiative on antiplatelet (P2Y12 inhibitor) medication adherence (measured via pharmacy fill rates postdischarge) and hospital readmissions.