Clinical Stakeholder Preferences for Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Outcome Reporting in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to examine stakeholder preferences for the content, format, and dissemination of outcomes and benchmarking of paediatric cardiac surgery in Australia and New Zealand. Method: Semi-structured interviews were completed with a representative sample of Queensland clinicians and patients to evaluate their attitudes and expectations regarding benchmarking and reporting of outcomes of paediatric cardiac surgery. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Two researchers conducted qualitative analysis of the transcripts using an interpretive description approach. Results: Fifteen clinical consumers, four parents, and one consumer advocate were interviewed. Mortality was highlighted as the area of greatest interest in reports by clinicians and consumers. The majority preferred hospital rather than individual level reporting. Annual reports were preferred by clinicians, who requested reports be distributed electronically. Clinical users desired information to assist in clinical decision-making and families requested individualised information at key timepoints in their clinical journey. Conclusion: The evidence generated from benchmarking in paediatric cardiac surgery is highly desired by clinicians, administrators, parents, families, and advocacy groups. However, information format and detail differ between users, indicating a need for tailoring of reports.