Insurance statements from French anaesthesiologists and intensivists: A database analysis

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Patient Safety
• Medical Risk Management

Background:

• Anesthesiology is crucial for patient safety, yet perioperative adverse events remain frequent.
• Approximately 50% of perioperative adverse events may be preventable.
• A collaborative retrospective study analyzed insurance data to assess perioperative risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess perioperative risk by analyzing anesthesiologists' reported events.
• To identify the nature and frequency of adverse events in anesthesia.
• To understand the impact of delayed complications on patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 870 statements from the MACSF-Sou Medical insurance company.
• Exclusion of statements related to regional anesthesia and dental injuries.
• Expert assessment of perioperative risks by three SFAR members.

Main Results:

• The study analyzed 870 patient cases, predominantly women (sex-ratio: 0.86), mean age 56 years.
• Key events included 315 cardiac arrests, 157 severe systemic complications, and 340 moderate complications.
• 35.9% of events resulted in death, with hypovolemia and stroke being major contributors to mortality and morbidity. Most events (79.3%) were identified postoperatively.

Conclusions:

• Collaboration with insurance companies provides valuable insights into perioperative risk.
• Delayed complications are significant and require attention.
• Increased anesthesiologist involvement in postoperative care is essential for enhancing patient safety.