Survival rates for sentinel conditions

Rationale

This indicator measures performance in relation to the survival of people who have suffered a sentinel condition – specifically a stroke, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or fractured neck of femur (FNOF).

These 3 conditions have been chosen as they are leading causes of hospitalisation and death in Australia for which there are accepted clinical management practices and guidelines. Patient survival after being admitted for one of these sentinel conditions can be affected by many factors including the diagnosis, the treatment given, or procedure performed, age, co-morbidities at the time of the admission, and complications which may have developed while in hospital. However, survival is more likely when there is early intervention and appropriate care on presentation to an emergency department and on admission to hospital.

By reviewing survival rates and conducting case-level analysis, targeted strategies can be developed that aim to increase patient survival after being admitted for a sentinel condition.

Note: This indicator is reported by calendar year. Some indicators are reported by calendar year to allow for delays associated with the clinical coding of medical records, data quality checking, data linkage processing, and the setting of targets in accordance with the Government Budget Statement.

Target

Please see the 2025 target for each condition noted in the results per age group. Improved or maintained performance is demonstrated by a result equal to or exceeding target. 

(a) Stroke

Results

Commentary

EMHS’ performance in the survival rate for stroke was slightly below target across 2 age ranges, representing a small number of patients whose severity of stroke was catastrophic or significant and unfortunately not amenable to active clinical intervention.  

(b) Acute myocardial infarction (AMI)

Commentary

EMHS’ performance in the survival rate for acute myocardial infarction remained within the acceptable target range, or exceeded target, for most groups. This result can be largely attributed to patients sustaining timely access to invasive coronary diagnostic and interventional procedures, as well as effective inter-hospital transfer arrangements of patients from Armadale Hospital and St John of God Midland Public Hospital to Royal Perth Hospital. 

The 60-69 years age group was slightly below target, representing a small number of complex cases, with most patients in this range experiencing co-morbidities. 

(c) Fractured neck of femur (FNoF) 

Commentary

EMHS’ performance in the survival rate for fractured neck of femur patients exceeded target in both age groups.