Functioning as a team? The role of NCEPOD reports in clinical risk management

Abstract

Since 1990, the National Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Deaths (NCEPOD) has published a total of 14 reports. These are intended to assist clinical staff in applying the lessons learned from the analysis of post‐operative deaths to help prevent future incidents. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the dissemination of this information does not always take place. Access to these reports should be encouraged and perhaps considered more formally during surgical training. Their use is also advocated in the multidisciplinary setting and as part of clinical audit. Unacceptable standards of medical record keeping are frequently highlighted in the NCEPOD reports. All health‐care professionals have a responsibility to raise these standards such that clinical documentation conforms with a basic acceptable standard that does not compromise patient care. Risk managers should also make use of the NCEPOD reports in meeting the requirements of Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) standards.