Abstract
BackgroundSince 2004, the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland has reported outcomes of named surgeons. In 2013, the National Health Service England published outcome data for 10 specialties, including cardiothoracic surgery. Before this, no consistent and major stakeholder feedback had occurred. This is the first study to assess UK trainee cardiothoracic surgeons’ perceptions of public outcome reporting (POR) in surgery.MethodologyIn this study, first, an online survey was sent to all trainee cardiothoracic surgeons (n = 257) in the UK. The survey had a response rate of 17%. Second, 10 semi-structured, one-to-one interviews were conducted with trainee cardiothoracic surgeons who had completed the survey.ResultsThe majority of respondents opposed the public release of surgeon-specific mortality data in adult cardiac surgery. It is believed to be associated with several consequences, including risk aversion, ‘gaming’, and detriments to the training and development of surgeons. Despite this, the majority of respondents favoured the POR of alternative outcome measures, including unit mortality, which provides a better indicator for the overall quality of care provided to patients.ConclusionsTrainee cardiothoracic surgeons accept and approve of POR. However, policymakers should refine the current strategy if they are to receive full support from the future of the specialty.
Highlights
In recent years, the medical profession has faced mounting pressure for greater transparency and disclosure in healthcare
The majority of respondents opposed the public release of surgeon-specific mortality data in adult cardiac surgery
The majority of respondents favoured the public outcome reporting (POR) of alternative outcome measures, including unit mortality, which provides a better indicator for the overall quality of care provided to patients
Summary
The medical profession has faced mounting pressure for greater transparency and disclosure in healthcare. In the wake of this scandal, the UK government mandated the reporting of surgeon-specific mortality data (SSMD) for all cardiothoracic units across the state. In 2004, the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland (SCTS) published the activity and mortality rates for all consultants performing adult cardiac surgery [2]. Since 2004, the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland has reported outcomes of named surgeons. In 2013, the National Health Service England published outcome data for 10 specialties, including cardiothoracic surgery. No consistent and major stakeholder feedback had occurred. This is the first study to assess UK trainee cardiothoracic surgeons’ perceptions of public outcome reporting (POR) in surgery
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