The Western Australian Audit of Surgical Mortality: advancing surgical accountability

• DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2005.tb07150.x
• Publication Date: 2019-09-24T07:05:03Z
• Authors: James B Semmens; Frank M Sanfilippo; S Aqif Mukhtar; Natasha S Haynes; Jenny A Mountain; R James Aitken
• Keywords: Surgical procedures

To describe the peer review process of Western Australian Audit Surgical Mortality (WAASM), selected outcomes and recommendations. Prospective audit using all cases patients who died while under care a surgeon between 1 January 2002 30 June 2004. reviews were current to September 194 202 surgeons participated after patient their care. Surgeon participation, deficiencies care, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, futile surgery, postmortem reviews, proportion operations performed by consultant surgeons. The was complete for 896 1647 reported deaths (54%), further 503 (31%) still at Twenty associated with terminal excluded from analysis. Median age 80 years, 799 876 (91%) had significant comorbidities that increased risk death. Deficiencies in 179/876 (20%). In 45/876 (5%) deficiency assessed have caused death, 15 considered preventable. 1.9 times higher elective admissions than emergency admissions. Autopsy undertaken 83/768 (11%) data. Changes practice noted some areas targeted WAASM, such as improved DVT prophylaxis. A problem fluid management recorded. Most elderly, complex treated appropriately. WAASM has helped change surgical emphasises importance ongoing systematic audit. participation demonstrates commitment accountability supports intention Royal Australasian College Surgeons extend throughout Australia New Zealand.