Introduction to the STS National Database Series: outcomes analysis, quality improvement, and patient safety.

Jacobs JP, Shahian DM, Prager RL, et al. Ann Thorac Surg. 2015 Oct 31; [Epub ahead of print].

Enabling clinicians and management to access data can help them uncover weaknesses in practice, determine performance measures, and drive improvements. This commentary introduces a series of upcoming articles that will explore information derived from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database to aid in understanding patient safety hazards incardiothoracic surgery.