Morbidity and mortality conferences in emergency departments

Abstract

In France, emergency departments (EDs) are not yet required to implement Morbidity and Mortality Conferences (M&MCs), but it is likely that they will soon be a requirement. We conducted a national survey through e-mail to evaluate current M&MC practices in EDs in France. Of the 232 questionnaires sent out, 149 responses were analyzed (64%). In total, 73 departments claimed that they carried out M&MCs, 36 (81.1%) at a University hospital (UH) compared with 37 departments (35%) at a non-UH (P < 0.001). In 29% of departments, M&MCs are held once a month (n = 21), in 34% every 2 months, and in 37% of departments they are held at longer intervals. Specialists are invited in 80% of departments (n = 58). All departments carrying out M&MCs finish with corrective action. The frequency with which M&MCs are conducted in EDs in France is low but is increasing. Currently, M&MCs are mainly conducted at UHs; this practice should develop in general hospitals as well.

Morbidity and Mortality Review in a University Dental Hospital: A Necessary Tool to Improve Quality of Care

“…It consists in examining whether the patient’s management was appropriate and identifying potential failures that may have contributed to the development of the complication. 1 This concept was first implemented in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century as part of the initial training of surgeons. 2 The aim was to learn from cases where death or malfunction had occurred to improve professional practices by analyzing in a collegial manner the occurrence of deaths unprejudiced by any individual judgment or sanctions.…”