Database / Information for Patients

Importance of the ANZSCTS Cardiac Surgery Database

The ANZSCTS Cardiac Surgery Database was established following the publication of a retrospective analysis of over 10,000 Victorian cardiac surgery operations. The project conducted by Professor Christopher Reid of Monash University demonstrated that despite the fact all Victorian cardiothoracic units had existing databases (from which data could be collected, merged and statistically analysed) the existing format of data collection and interpretation was inaccurate and unreliable.

As a result, the ANZSCTS Cardiac Surgery Database was established to provide a standardised system for data collection. The identification of key performance indicators and subsequent generation of local standards afforded the ability to benchmark unit performance across Australia and New Zealand. The Database is funded by the Victorian Department of Health, NSW Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC), Queensland Health and participating units.

Data Collection

The Database aims to collect information on all adults having heart surgery in Australia and New Zealand in an effort to monitor and improve the results of cardiac surgery.

Whilst cardiac surgery is highly successful at improving a patient’s quality of life, there is inevitably a small risk of major complications or death. As such, it is vitally important to collect this clinical information. The success of surgery can be variable, which may be due to a number of different factors including, varying patient characteristics, the type of operation performed and the circumstances under which it was performed.

In order to improve the success of heart surgery it is necessary to identify problem areas and rectify these through best practice. By collecting information on your heart surgery, we are able to identify the procedures and techniques that yield the best outcomes. This knowledge enables best practice to be propagated through cardiac institutions.

It also allows the ANZSCTS to monitor cardiac surgery on a quarterly and annual basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions through the links below, or contact us on 1800 285 382.

What information is needed?

The information we require includes your name, date of birth, Medicare number, hospital identification number, the name of the hospital, the reason you are having your surgery and other information related to your operation.

Will my information be confidential?

Yes, your personal information is confidential and cannot be used inappropriately outside the database. Regulatory procedures are in place to protect your information and keep it confidential. Registry data is accessible by authorised staff of the ANZSCTS Database only. All data is stored securely at Monash University. Aggregate data will be made available for research but will not identify you in any way. You cannot be identified in any reports or research produced by the database.

How is my information added to the database?

You are not required to do anything. The staff at your hospital will complete the forms that contain your details during the hospital stay. The information will be entered onto the secure database computer.

What are the risks/benefits?

Your information is protected and we are not allowed to identify you by law. The database will produce general rules on the success of surgery which we anticipate will improve the quality of cardiac surgery in the future. Having your data entered into the database will not affect the care and treatment you receive for your surgery in any way.

How do I remove my information from the Database?

We understand that not everyone is comfortable about having details related to their cardiac condition documented in a database. If you feel this way, and do not want this information added to the database, please contact the Program Coordinator on 1800 285 382. A decision on whether or not you wish to be involved in the database does not affect your treatment in any way. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or queries.