title: Design and statistical methodology of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program: why is it what it is?
abstract: This article reviews the philosophy and principles of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) that the founders of the program had in mind when they developed the program; explains how the philosophy and principles led to the design and statistical methods that were chosen for the program; and reviews recently proposed changes to the program and potential problems that these changes may create.
authors.affiliation: University of Colorado, Health Outcomes Program, Aurora, CO, USA. William.henderson@ucdenver.edu
authors.forename: William G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Daley
mesh_terms: D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States