Abstract
BackgroundEvidence for the effectiveness of the morbidity and mortality conferences in improving patient safety is lacking. The aim of this survey was to assess the opinion of participants concerning the benefits and the functioning of morbidity and mortality conferences, according to their organizational characteristics.MethodsWe conducted a survey of professionals involved in a morbidity and mortality conference using a self-administered questionnaire in three French teaching hospitals in 2012. The questionnaire focused on the functioning of morbidity and mortality conferences, the perceived benefits, the motivations of participants, and how morbidity and mortality conferences could be improved. The perception of participants was analysed according to the characteristics of morbidity and mortality conferences.ResultsA total of 698 participants in 54 morbidity and mortality conferences completed the questionnaire. Most of them (91 %) were satisfied with how the morbidity and mortality conference they attended was conducted. The improvements in healthcare quality and patient safety were the main benefits perceived by participants. Effectiveness in improving safety was mainly perceived when cases were thoroughly analysed (adjusted odds ratio [a0R] =2.31 [1.14–4.66]). The existence of a written charter (p = 0.05), the use of a standardized case presentation (p = 0.049), and prior dissemination of the meeting agenda (p = 0.02) were also associated with the perception of morbidity and mortality conference effectiveness. The development and achievement of improvement initiatives were associated with morbidity and mortality conferences perceived as being more effective (p < 0.01). Participants suggested improving the attendance of medical and paramedical professionals to enhance the effectiveness of morbidity and mortality conferences.ConclusionsMorbidity and mortality conferences were positively perceived. These results suggest that a structured framework and thoroughly analyzing cases improve their effectiveness.
Highlights
Evidence for the effectiveness of the morbidity and mortality conferences in improving patient safety is lacking
Morbidity and mortality conferences (MMCs) are widely implemented in hospitals, but evidence of their effectiveness in improving patient safety is lacking
We identified the characteristics of MMC functioning associated with the perception that the MMC produced benefits
Summary
Evidence for the effectiveness of the morbidity and mortality conferences in improving patient safety is lacking. Morbidity and mortality conferences (MMCs) were established in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century and have become a relevant part of physician education [1] They were initially set up by surgeons and Lecoanet et al BMC Health Services Research (2016) 16:176 care and oncology. Considering the wide variety of situations, choosing and using a patient-related outcome is difficult Where this is possible, the low incidence of specific events would lead to a lack of statistical power [9]. The low incidence of specific events would lead to a lack of statistical power [9] In this context, several authors estimated the effectiveness of MMCs indirectly through the perception of the participants in these meetings [4, 10, 11]. They suggested that a formalized framework should lead to a better perception of effectiveness and more satisfying MMCs [4, 10, 11]
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