Quality and Outcomes Reports - Anesthesiology
Overall Volume by Complexity
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 - Our volume of more complex cases has gone up slightly from 2011 to 2012. Providing the best and safest care also requires that we match the right resource to the right patient. Therefore, we care for patients in different environments based on their needs. Same-day surgery patients and less complicated procedures in healthier patients can be safely performed at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Surgicenter with greater convenience to families. More complex patients are seen at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee campus, where there is a higher level of resources and where more complex care can be safely provided.
About the data - These data reflect the total number of anesthesia cases by complexity performed at Children's Hospital and our Surgicenter 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.
What we're doing to provide the best care:
- All of our anesthesiologists are board certified in anesthesiology and have completed at least one additional year of pediatric anesthesiology training or experience. Many staff also have subspecialty training in pediatric critical care, complex medical care and pain 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.
- Team members use the latest equipment and therapies and have access to a variety of subspecialty teams such as pain management, critical care, orthopedics, neurosurgical, cardiac and complex airway management.
- 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 is an American College of Surgeons verified Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. Undergoing this rigorous verification process requires improved quality and safety standards. The trauma program is supported directly by anesthesia residents, fellows and faculty.
- 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
- Pocket Directory
If you have questions about these data or information, email us or call (414) 266-6556.