Rescue Improvement Conference: A Novel Tool for Addressing Failure to Rescue

Area of Science:

• Surgical Safety
• Medical Education
• Healthcare Improvement

Background:

• Over 150,000 patients die annually in the US after elective surgery.
• Failure to Rescue (FTR) involves delayed recognition/response to surgical complications, leading to adverse events.
• Rescue Improvement Conference (RIC) is adapted from morbidity and mortality conferences to address FTR contributors like poor communication and problem-solving.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Rescue Improvement Conference (RIC) in addressing Failure to Rescue (FTR).

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate the RIC, a bi-monthly forum established in 2018.
• Effectiveness was measured via surveys and open-text responses (N=140) across 5 indicators: educational value, takeaways, discussion time, practice changes, and improvement opportunities.
• Semi-structured interviews with 12 surgical faculty and house staff were conducted, with qualitative data analyzed thematically.

Main Results:

• Attendees rated the RIC as effective across all 5 indicators (mean Likert scores >5).
• Qualitative data confirmed quantitative findings and revealed RIC promotes diverse voices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and multilevel problem-solving.
• The forum provides a valuable platform for identifying and discussing FTR contributors.

Conclusions:

• The Rescue Improvement Conference demonstrates potential for enhancing system-level strategies in surgical departments.
• It offers a forum for stakeholders to identify and discuss factors contributing to Failure to Rescue.
• RIC can support improved recognition and management of postoperative complications.