Indicator set of the study
| Indicator (measure) | Typology | Criterion met | Unit |
| In-hospital mortality | Outcome | Differences in rates | Per cent |
| Length of hospital stay | Outcome | Differences in mean values | Days |
| Appropriateness of the stay (with Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol) | Outcome | Differences in rates | Per cent |
| Costs of the stay (with Activity Based Costing) | Outcome | Differences in mean values | Euro |
| Rate of unscheduled readmissions (within 31 days) | Outcome | Differences in rates | Per cent |
| Patients’ satisfaction (survey with 16 items questionnaire) | Outcome | Differences in mean values | Score (1–10) |
| Diagnostic procedures during hospital stay | Process | Differences in rates | Per cent |
| Echocardiography | |||
| Trans-oesophageal echocardiography | |||
| Electrocardiography | |||
| Chest x rays | |||
| Oximetry | |||
| Weight monitoring | |||
| Diuresis monitoring | |||
| Medical treatment during hospital stay | Process | Differences in rates | Per cent |
| Inotropes | |||
| ACE inhibitors | |||
| β-Blockers | |||
| Diuretics | |||
| Nitrates | |||
| Other vasodilators | |||
| Heparin | |||
| Oral anticoagulants | |||
| Anti-platelets agents | |||
| LVF assessment rate at discharge (or planned for after discharge) | JCAHO Core Performance | Given to all patients | Per cent |
| Advice/counseling rate for smoking cessation at discharge | JCAHO Core Performance | Given to all patients (current smokers) | Per cent |
| Written instructions rate at discharge (activity level, diet, discharge medications, follow-up, weight monitoring and what to do if symptoms worsen) | JCAHO Core Performance | Given to all patients | Per cent |
| ACE inhibitor rate at discharge (without contraindications, with LVF <40%) | JCAHO Core Performance | Given to all patients | Per cent |
ACE, angiotensin converting enzyme; JCAHO, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; LVF, left ventricular function.