Recording of postoperative complications: Quantity and quality

Authors: Maina, Pierre¹; Carstensen, Mads¹; Tønnesen, Hanne²

Source: European Journal of Surgery, Volume 168, Number 12, 2002 , pp. 736-740(5)

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Abstract:

Objective: To evaluate a simple working procedure for recording postoperative complications. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Teaching hospital, Denmark. Subjects: 218 of 312 patients who were operated on from March to July 1996. Interventions: Follow up 30 days after operation by looking up the local register of complications, review of medical records and by structured telephone interview with the patient. Main outcome measures: Morbidity. Results: All the patients were recorded in the local register, showing a complication rate of 21% ( n = 49). However the medical record and the telephone interview showed complication rates of 68 (31%) and 76 (33%), respectively. Conclusion: It is possible to improve the quantity of the recording by a simpli?ed working procedure, while the quality is still a challenge.

Keywords: postoperative complication

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00000000000000013

Affiliations: 1: Department of Surgery, Copenhagen County Hospital in Herlev, University of Copenhagen, Denmark 2: Clinical Unit of Preventive Medicine and Health Practice, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Publication date: 2002-01-01

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