Rs07
laparoscopy in Gynaecology and Surgery: Practice Review Using Audit of Errors for Improving Safety

Abstract

Purpose In 2005 a joint study by RANZCOG and United Medical protection identified laparoscopic surgery as a key contributor to medical indemnity claims from 1991–2001. The Support Scheme for Rural Specialists, an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, funded the development and implementation of a 12 month laparoscopy audit quality framework to: Profile laparoscopy adverse events in rural Australia. Identify opportunities to improve practice or patient safety. Provide rural specialists with a supported CPD activity and opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues. Methodology Rural Australian Fellows of RACS, RANZCOG and ANZCA were invited to participate. After introductory risk management videoconferences, participants audited their laparoscopy over two months using the developed audit tool. Submitted data was analysed and participants received individualised feedback (protected by Qualified Privilege). Follow‐up videoconferences in February 2007 will discuss the data and implications for practice and patient safety. Results Additional funding was granted to meet overwhelming interest from rural specialists. Analysis of data (underway at time of abstract submission) indicates the audit tool effectively profiled laparoscopy and adverse events which may not be captured by other reporting systems. The results of the audit will be presented. Conclusions The audit tool is a valuable multidisciplinary resource with great potential applicability. Encouraging specialists to work collaboratively to complete audits may be of benefit to patient safety, particularly where the audit is emphasized as a quality process rather than a counting exercise.