[Quality management in regional anesthesia using the example of a Regional Anesthesia Surveillance System (RASS)]

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Medical Informatics
• Public Health

Background:

• Regional anesthesia and analgesia are common in modern anesthesiology.
• These techniques offer benefits but also pose risks, including rare but severe complications like hematoma or abscess formation.
• Central neuraxial blocks require careful risk assessment due to potential detrimental consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of national and international databases for risk assessment in regional anesthesia.
• To introduce a method for high-quality data acquisition using standardized codes.
• To establish a foundation for data collection, analysis, and process optimization in quality management.

Main Methods:

• Integration of standardized codes from the Regional Anesthesia Surveillance System.
• Utilization of a software tool for high-quality data acquisition.
• Building a foundation for national and international data collection and analysis.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of a system for integrating standardized codes into a software tool.
• Facilitation of high-quality data acquisition for regional anesthesia surveillance.
• Establishment of a basis for comprehensive data collection and analysis.

Conclusions:

• Standardized data collection is crucial for realistic risk assessment in regional anesthesia.
• The described integration supports quality management and process optimization.
• This approach provides a foundation for national and international data sharing and analysis to enhance patient safety.