Related Experiment Videos
Decreasing the occurrence of intraoperative technical errors through periodic simple show, tell and learn method
Ely L Steinberg1, Eyal Amar1, Assaf Albagli1
1Orthopaedic Division, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
Injury
|May 21, 2014
Summary
Periodic performance reviews significantly reduced technical errors in fracture surgeries. This method, involving surgeon self-assessment and peer discussion, improved surgical outcomes and patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Surgical Education
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Technical errors (TE) in fracture repair are often preventable through planning and education.
- A prospective study assessed a novel instructional method focused on surgeon performance review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a new instructional method for improving surgical outcomes in fracture repair.
- To determine if periodic performance evaluations reduce intraoperative technical errors.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of surgeons (350 operations in Early Group, 411 in Late Group) were assessed over consecutive 4-month periods.
- Technical errors from the first period were reviewed and discussed by surgeons.
- The same review process was repeated in the second period, with errors classified as minor, moderate, or major.
Main Results:
- The total number of technical errors decreased significantly from 14.7% to 6.3% (p = 0.0003).
- The severity score of technical errors dropped from 81 to 38 (p = 0.0001).
- Consultant surgeons' performance improved, becoming similar to residents' performance in the second period.
Conclusions:
- Intraoperative technical errors in orthopaedic surgery can be substantially reduced.
- Periodic performance evaluations in a seminar setting are effective for improving surgical outcomes.
- Reviewing recent technical errors among peers enhances surgical practice and patient safety.