ESTS 2026 Symposia: Session 1 of 3 with Andrea Billè

This e-learning module is based on the first presentation from the Medela-sponsored ESTS 2026 symposium, Delivering High-Value Thoracic Surgery: Outcomes, Processes and Quality Improvement.

In this session, thoracic surgeon Andrea Billè (United Kingdom) explores the critical role of data in driving quality improvement initiatives. Learners will examine how baseline performance measurement, outcome evaluation, and identification of variations in clinical practice provide the foundation for improving patient care. The session highlights the importance of understanding current performance to support evidence-based decision-making, reduce unwarranted variability, and enhance outcomes in thoracic surgery.

Key learning topics:

• The importance of measuring baseline performance

• Outcome evaluation as a driver of quality improvement

• Identifying variability in clinical practice

• Using data to support continuous improvement in thoracic surgery

Continue the symposium series:

• Session 2: Creating Standardised Drain Management Pathways with Lars Geenen 

• Session 3: Implementation – Transforming Data and Pathway into Value-Based Clinical Care with Eric Lim