Systems approaches to surgical quality and safety: from concept to measurement.

Vincent, C; Moorthy, K; Sarker, S; Chang, A; Darzi, A

Journal article

Systems approaches to surgical quality and safety: from concept to measurement.

Abstract:: OBJECTIVE: This approach provides the basis of our research program, which aims to expand operative assessment beyond patient factors and the technical skills of the surgeon; to extend assessment of surgical skills beyond bench models to the operating theater; to provide a basis for assessing interventions; and to provide a deeper understanding of surgical outcomes. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Research into surgical outcomes has primarily focused on the role of patient pathophysiological risk factors and on the skills of the individual surgeon. However, this approach neglects a wide range of factors that have been found to be of important in achieving safe, high-quality performance in other high-risk environments. The outcome of surgery is also dependent on the quality of care received throughout the patient's stay in hospital and the performance of a considerable number of health professionals, all of whom are influenced by the environment in which they work. METHODS: Drawing on the wider literature on safety and quality in healthcare, and recent papers on surgery, this article argues for a much wider assessment of factors that may be relevant to surgical outcome. In particular, we suggest the development of an "operation profile" to capture all the salient features of a surgical operation, including such factors as equipment design and use, communication, team coordination, factors affecting individual performance, and the working environment. Methods of assessing such factors are outlined, and ethical issues and other potential concerns are discussed.

Actions

Email

Email this record

Send the bibliographic details of this record to your email address.

Your Email
Please enter the email address that the record information will be sent to.

-
Your message (optional)
Please add any additional information to be included within the email.
Cite

Cite this record

APA Style

Vincent, C., Moorthy, K., Sarker, S., Chang, A., & Darzi, A. (2004). Systems approaches to surgical quality and safety: from concept to measurement. Annals of Surgery, 239(4), 475–482.

MLA Style

Vincent, C., et al. “Systems Approaches to Surgical Quality and Safety: from Concept to Measurement.” Annals of Surgery, vol. 239, no. 4, 2004, pp. 475–82.

Chicago Style

Vincent, C, K Moorthy, S Sarker, A Chang, and A Darzi. 2004. “Systems Approaches to Surgical Quality and Safety: from Concept to Measurement.” Annals of Surgery 239 (4): 475–82.
Share
Print