The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program: Background and Methodology

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) was initially developed through the Department of Veterans Affairs in the early 1990s. Recently, it has expanded into the private sector under the guidance of the American College of Surgeons. NSQIP methodology allows hospitals to compare risk-adjusted 30-day morbidity and mortality outcomes. Calculation of observed/expected ratios allows determination of outlier status and helps identify hospitals that are performing better or worse than expected. NSQIP has significantly advanced the field of quality improvement within surgery. American College of Surgeons NSQIP continues to grow through partnering with other organizations like the National Quality Forum as well as bringing hospitals together through collaboratives.