Quality and Outcomes Reports - Anesthesiology

Volume by Complexity - Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee campus

Why we measure it - Research shows that physicians and hospitals that treat a large number of patients tend to provide better care and have improved outcomes, even for complex cases. To measure complexity, we assess all patients before surgery using a scoring system called American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status score. This system helps predict the risk of complications and helps us match patients with the right resources. We are very experienced in taking care of children with highly complex medical problems from newborns through adolescents.

What this means - The number of healthly and more complex patient procedures slightly increased at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee campus from 2011 through 2012. Complex procedures on potentially very sick children can be performed safely at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin because of our highly trained pediatric specialists supported by skilled teams and excellent technology and resources. 

About the data - These data reflect the total number of anesthesia cases by complexity performed at Children's Hospital campus as recorded in our operating room data system. The America Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical score is an assessment tool which measures the complexity of an illness. It also classifies the illness into different categories and determines requirements for higher levels of care and assesses the risk of complications.

Related dimensions of care:

What we're doing to provide the best care:

• Our anesthesiologists are board certified in anesthesiology and have completed at least one additional year of pediatric anesthesiology training or experience. Many staff also has subspecialty training in pediatric critical care, complex medical care and pain management.
• Our staff is highly trained and is able to maintain their skills because of the large number of cases we see. The best equipment and support staff add to their ability to take care of children in a safe environment. Support staff includes subspecialty teams such as pain, critical care, orthopedic, neurosurgical, cardiac and complex airway management.
• We have 4 to 5 anesthesiologists on call each night to care for emergent and urgent cases including cardiac services. We have expert teams on call 24 hours a day to provide coverage for general perioperative anesthesia, cardiac anesthesia, services outside the operating room, critical care, pain management and trauma/code response team.
• We are recognized internationally for many innovations in perioperative monitoring including noninvasive oximetric hemodynamic monitoring that permits continuous assessment of oxygen delivery to vital organs and enhances patient safety. 
• Pediatric anesthesiologists assess all children before surgery. All perioperative anesthesia and pain management is provided or directly supervised by a pediatric anesthesiologist. Although we are a teaching hospital, we have strict limitations on the care provided by anesthesia care team members, which includes nurse practitioners, fellows and residents.
• Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, certified by the American College of Surgeons. This certification means we are able to provide the best possible care to the most critically injured children. It also recognizes that we are involved in injury prevention, research and education.
• Families traveling from long distances are encouraged to use our Family Accommodations Program to make travel arrangements and coordinate appointments. Children's Hospital has partnered with non-profit organizations like Ronald McDonald House and Kathy's House to offer comfortable, "home away from home" accommodations. Local hotel chains on our referral list also offer discounts for patient families. 

Patients and families:

• Take a virtual tour, which will help prepare patients and families for the procedure and hospital stay.
• Follow all eating and drinking restrictions before surgery.

Referring physicians:

• Referring physicians can access our specialists for consultation or transport 24 hours a day. Call our physician referral line at (800) 266-0366.  
• Health care providers from outside of our southeastern Wisconsin service area are encouraged to use our web-based 
  e-Consult service. This service is available for non-urgent patient cases only and gives providers access to our specialists to review patient cases, obtain medical advice or second opinions, and receive care recommendations for rare symptoms and illnesses.
  e-Consult is not to be used by the general public, parents/guardians or families.
• Care guidelines for medical professionals
• Educational materials
  • Pediatric Rounds
  • Webcasts
• Pocket Directory

If you have questions about these data or information, email us or call (414) 266-6556.