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Novel method to link surgical trainee performance data to patient outcomes
Angela E Thelen1, Daniel E Kendrick2, Xilin Chen3
1Center for Surgical Training and Research, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
American Journal of Surgery
|October 26, 2021
Summary
Linking surgical trainee performance data with patient outcomes is now feasible. This method enables future research on surgeon competency and patient care quality in independent practice.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education Research
- Health Services Research
- Surgical Outcomes Analysis
Background:
- Comparing surgical trainee performance to long-term surgeon outcomes has been a significant challenge.
- Existing research methods lack the ability to connect trainee skill assessment with real-world patient results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel and feasible method for linking surgical trainee performance data with patient outcomes.
- To establish a foundation for future research on the impact of surgical training on independent practice outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Extracted National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers from Medicare claims data for general surgery procedures (2007-2017).
- Cross-referenced NPI data with American Board of Surgery (ABS) trainee performance records.
- Linked patient and trainee datasets using NPI numbers to calculate a linkage rate.
Main Results:
- Identified 12,952 unique surgeons within the Medicare claims dataset.
- Successfully linked 96.2% (12,460) of identified surgeons with ABS records via NPI number.
- Demonstrated a high linkage rate, confirming the feasibility of the data connection method.
Conclusions:
- A novel process has been established to connect patient outcomes with surgical trainee performance data.
- This innovative approach facilitates future investigations into the relationship between surgical training and patient results.
- The findings pave the way for enhanced quality assessment in surgical education and independent practice.
