Perception of OR safety of surgical practice linked to postop mortality

Editor's Note

The perception of safety of surgical practice among OR personnel was associated with hospital level 30-day postoperative patient mortality rates in this study.

As part of the Safe Surgery 2015: South Carolina initiative, a baseline survey measuring perception of safety of surgical practice among OR personnel was completed. The survey response rate was 38.1% (1,793/4,707) in 31 hospitals.

For every 1 point increase in the mean score for respect, clinical leadership, and assertiveness, there were associated decreases in 30-day postoperative mortality after inpatient surgery, ranging from 14% to 29%.

Higher scores for the statement, “I would feel safe being treated here as a patient,” were associated with significantly lower hospital-level 30-day postoperative mortality rates. 

Objective: To evaluate whether the perception of safety of surgical practice among operating room (OR) personnel is associated with hospital-level 30-day postoperative death. Background: The relationship between improvements in the safety of surgical practice and benefits to postoperative outcomes has not been demonstrated empirically.