Preventable Patient Safety Indicators After Lung Resection: Outcomes and Cost at a Large High-Volume Institution

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality Metrics
• Surgical Outcomes Research
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs) from AHRQ identify preventable postoperative complications.
• The incidence of PSIs following lung resection is not well-established.
• This study evaluates PSIs in lung resection patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of PSIs after lung resection.
• To identify predictors and outcomes associated with PSIs.
• To assess the preventability and cost of PSIs in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 2701 lung resection patients (2014-2024).
• Evaluation of specific PSIs: hemorrhage, AKI, PE/DVT, and sepsis.
• Analysis of clinical predictors, short-term outcomes, and costs.

Main Results:

• 35 patients (1.29%) experienced 43 PSI events (1.59%).
• PSI patients had higher comorbidity, prior lung cancer, and male sex.
• Male sex and prior lung cancer independently predicted PSI occurrence.
• 1.37% of PSIs were deemed preventable, costing nearly $1 million, mainly due to sepsis.

Conclusions:

• PSIs after lung resection are uncommon but carry significant implications.
• Preventable PSIs, particularly sepsis, require targeted intervention strategies.
• Improving prevention can enhance patient outcomes and offer cost savings.