Failure to rescue in the surgical oncology population: implications for nursing and quality improvement

To analyze the frequency, type, and correlates of postoperative complications for surgical patients with cancer to illustrate practical application of the failure to rescue concept in oncology nursing practice.

Secondary analysis of inpatient claims.

Data obtained from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council were linked with data from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry.

24,618 patients with solid tumors hospitalized for tumor-directed surgery in 164 acute care hospitals from 1998-1999.

Frequency distributions examined the incidence of each complication, the proportion of patients who died with the complication, and complication frequency by tumor type. Chi-square tests compared the frequency of complications for patients who were admitted routinely or via the emergency department.

30-day mortality, postoperative complications, and tumor type.

The most frequent complication in the sample was gastrointestinal bleeding (13.2%); however, 37.1% of patients who died had respiratory compromise as a complication. Admission through the emergency department was significantly associated with experiencing a complication (71.9% versus 43.9%).

Treatable but serious postoperative complications are frequent and can be fatal in the surgical oncology population. Complication frequency and fatality vary significantly by cancer type.

The complications studied are detectable by nurses and can be managed successfully with timely intervention. Recognition of complications at an early stage and evidence-based management may assist nurses in patient rescue and, ultimately, improve quality of care.