Quality-indicators of hospitals and clinics in Switzerland:
Heart surgery (all interventions), infection rate
For heart surgery (all interventions), meaningful, risk-adjusted infection rates are currently available for 10 Swiss hospitals. 2'840 patients were monitored in these hospitals. The average hospital infection rate in heart surgery was 3.3%; the highest infection rate observed in a clinic was 7.4%. The lowest risk-adjusted infection rate in heart surgery was measured in the Stadtspital Triemli, Zürich (1.1% hospital infection cases).
Measured as the ratio of expected and observed numbers of infections after certain types of surgery.
Strengths:
Infections are risky and associated with more distress. A low infection rate is an indicator of good hygiene and a high quality treatment process. The infection rates are risk adjusted by Swissnoso using three additional measurements. This elaborate form of risk adjustment fulfills high scientific standards.
Limits:
Unfortunately, infection rates are not available for all interventions. It is not sure that results are transferable to similar interventions. Also, infection rates are only meaningful when a sufficient number of cases is reached. Especially with interventions with a low risk of infections the needed number of cases is very high and is only reached by large hospitals. For small hospitals it is often not possible to give a meaningful statement (while small case numbers are per se unfavorable, especially with complex interventions).
Heart surgery (mitral valve reconstruction) by Prof Dr Dzemali. Very competent and friendly. The nursing staff was very friendly and competent as well. All in all, I felt very well looked after in the Triemli hospital.
About the surgery:
The minimally invasive mitral valve reconstruction went well and according to the plan, the valve is impervious. After a rupture of the aorta, an emergency operation was performed and I was completely restored. In the meantime, I recovered quickly. (surgeon: Dr. Omer Dzemali)
transl. from german, inpatient treatment in Aug.2018, date of rating: 19.10.2018
Very satisfied! Good care by doctors and nurses. Would go there again.
About the surgery:
2014 heart surgery Aneurisma (Anuloaortal ectasia of the aorta ascendens) with heart valve replacement (Perimount aorta valve bio prosthesis): Surgery was very well prepared and carried out. no problems so far and full performance! (surgeon: Dr. Franz Leupi)
transl. from german, inpatient treatment in Mar.2014, date of rating: 15.04.2017
Stents after a heart attack in a 92-year-old patient. Inadequate explanation as to whether the intervention is really necessary despite the living will. Patient died after unacceptable discharge and two re-admissions. During the dying process released again into the nursing home, absolutely inhumane. (surgeon: Dr. Nicht Bekannt)
transl. from german, inpatient treatment in Jul.2022, date of rating: 07.06.2023