An in-depth analysis of complaints in an orthopaedic department in the NHS

Abstract

Objective To undertake an in-depth analysis of all complaints over a 12-month period in an orthopaedic department in the NHS. Setting Department of Orthopaedics in a UK NHS Trust. Methods Sixteen complaints files and associated patient case-notes were retrospectively reviewed by an independent consultant orthopaedic surgeon and members of the research team. Results There were some common themes in the adverse events reported. For example, failure to obtain adequately informed consent and lack of information given to patients were the most common adverse events that were identified by the review process. There were 36 adverse events/complications in the sample, 30 were adverse events and six were complications. Half of the complaints reviewed (18/36) related directly to adverse events. The majority of the adverse events that were identified by this study and review of complaints (27/36) were covered by the adverse event list and should have triggered an incident report. Conclusion Adverse events are not being acknowledged and there is a need for more openness with patients. As such, a larger study is needed to explore the extent of these issues.