@article{142, keywords = {Morbidity and mortality, Patient safety, Peer review, Postoperative complications, Quality improvement}, author = {Loren Berman and Madelene Ottosen and Elizabeth Renaud and Belinda Hsi-Dickie and Annie Fecteau and David Skarda and Adam Goldin and Shawn Rangel and KuoJen Tsao and APSA Quality and Safety Committee}, title = {Preventing patient harm via adverse event review: An APSA survey regarding the role of morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference.}, abstract = {

INTRODUCTION: Peer-review endeavors represent the continual learning environment critical for a culture of patient safety. Morbidity and mortality (M&M) conferences are designed to review adverse events to prevent future similar events. The extent to which pediatric surgeons participate in M&M, and believe M&M improves patient safety, is unknown.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of the American Pediatric Surgical Association membership was conducted to evaluate participation in and perception of M&M conferences. Closed and open-ended questions were provided to gauge participation and perceptions of M&M effectiveness. Standard frequency analyses and tests of associations between M&M program attributes and surgeons' perceptions of effectiveness were performed.

RESULTS: The response rate was 38% (353/928). Most surgeons (85%) reported that they always participate in M&M, but only 64% believe M&M is effective in changing practice or prevention of future adverse events. Effective M&Ms were more likely to emphasize loop closure, multidisciplinary participation, standardized assessment of events, and connection to quality improvement efforts.

CONCLUSIONS: Most pediatric surgeons participate in M&M, but many doubt its effectiveness. We identified attributes of M&M conferences that are perceived to be effective. Further investigation is needed to identify how to optimally utilize peer-review programs to prevent adverse events and improve patient safety.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

}, year = {2019}, journal = {J Pediatr Surg}, volume = {54}, pages = {1872-1877}, month = {09/2019}, issn = {1531-5037}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2018.12.008}, language = {eng}, }