NCEPOD: reconciling recommendations with reality in the ICU

Abstract

The structure and role of the NCEPOD The UK National Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Deaths (NCEPOD), a registered charity established in the late 1980s, reviews clinical practice and identifies areas where changes in surgical and anaesthetic practices may improve patient outcome. NCEPOD is a largely government-funded, yet independent, body with a chief executive, a steering group, clinical coordinators (representing specialties such as anaesthesia, surgery, pathology, oncology) and administrative staff. NCEPOD relies on a network of reporters located at every NHS and private hospital in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man and the Defence Secondary Care Agency. Reporters notify NCEPOD of all deaths occurring in hospital after surgery. While participation in NCEPOD is voluntary in the private sector, it is compulsory for NHS Trusts. A similar function is performed by the Scottish Audit of Surgical Mortality.