Design of a Consensus Derived Synoptic Operative Report for Thyroid Surgery

The aim of this study was to develop a template for a synoptic operative report (SOR), for thyroid surgical data, and improve interdisciplinary communication and collaboration.

Twenty-five expert endocrine surgeons, endocrinologists, surgical oncology, and ear-nose-and-throat surgeons were invited to participate in a modified Delphi process. Initial domains for consideration were determined from literature review and were compatible with domains previously endorsed by the American Thyroid Association. Consensus for individual variables was predefined as mean > 70th percentile and a low disagreement index (< 1.0). An academic working party reviewed the indeterminate domains to reach a final consensus.

Of 25 invited, 24 participated in the study. Two rounds of questionnaires were conducted. Consensus was reached for 39 data elements across five domains and were included in the final SOR template. A further eight data elements were shortlisted for inclusion in a secondary list of desirable but optional data elements.

We developed a consensus-derived SOR for thyroid surgery. Future studies are required to review the uptake and utility of this template in a clinical setting. There is a literary void regarding the role of SOR for parathyroid and adrenal surgery and this could be approached with similar methodology.