- • EuroSCORE is in use
by cardiac surgeons worldwide.
- Although it remains a powerful and highly discriminatory risk
predictor, there is evidence that actual outcomes have improved. Some
centres and countries now report results which are better than predicted
by EuroSCORE.
- It is time to update the EuroSCORE to reflect contemporary
practice. As we launch this project, the following questions and answers
will help elucidate our plans.
WHAT IS THE AIM?
To gather new data in different countries to determine if EuroSCORE should
be updated, and if so, which areas need attention.
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?
It is important that all types of cardiac surgical units are represented.
Whether your institution is big or small, private, public or academic, a
centre of excellence or a standard service unit, participation in the
project will ensure that your type of unit is represented in the new model.
We do not want a model for super-specialist centres, but one for real
cardiac surgical results, in real units of varying types. Make sure the new
EuroSCORE represents YOUR practice.
WHAT IS THE TIMESCALE?
We are now in the process of securing funding for the project. Once that
is in place, we anticipate a data collection exercise to begin within about
6-9 months. Data collection will be short and sweet: we shall ask for data
from a maximum of three months’ activity (or less if many units
participate).
HOW WILL DATA BE
COLLECTED?
Unlike the previous EuroSCORE data collection, this will be paperless
(electronic web-based).
•
HOW MUCH DATA?
Relatively little: for each patient we shall need the current EuroSCORE
risk factors, plus about five other data points which we think will improve
the model, and outcomes (survival).
I AM INTERESTED. WHAT DO I
DO NOW?
Please register your interest (without any obligation whatsoever) by
contacting us at the e-mail address below and giving:
–your
name, address, position and contact details
–the
name and address of your institution
–approximately
how many major heart operations your unit performs per year
E-mail: euroscore "at"
papworth.nhs.uk
We shall then contact you in due course with more details.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE
INFORMATION?
sam.nashef "at" papworth.nhs.uk
