Putting the heat back into radiology morbidity and mortality conferences

Morbidity and mortality (M&M) conferences run the gamut from heated adversarial affairs seen in traditional surgery departments, to more passive versions often seen in radiology departments. If done well, not only can M&M conferences have great utility as a resident training tool, but they also can be a vehicle for quality improvement and allow a first impression for how a complication might be perceived in court. The legislature and courts have deemed candid peer review so essential that such proceedings have been provided with a qualified privilege. To maximize the benefit of M&M conferences, an emphasis on accountability and robust debate, preconference preparation, broader faculty attendance, and an understanding of the ground rules are necessary. M&M conferences also should be solution oriented, and practice quality improvements and teaching modules should regularly be generated from such conferences. An example of a potential revised M&M conference is outlined.