What evidence was considered to evaluate the inclusion of two structural measures related to use of standardized protocols for PCI?
The writing committee considered evidence linking the use of standardized protocols for antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy to improved patient outcomes, as well as evidence on the use of protocols for managing contrast-related nephropathy before and during PCI. Despite their extensive use of protocols, there was scant evidence to link their use of a protocol to improved patient outcomes. Moreover, the evidence base for protocols for managing contrast-related nephropathy before and during PCI was not substantive enough to support inclusion of such a measure at the present time. Thus, the writing committee determined that these structural measures were inappropriate for inclusion in the measure set at the present time.