Surgical Error, Part 5: Case Study

Course overview

Historically, surgeons have poorly understood the reasons for adverse surgical events and malpractice claims, believing them to be either unavoidable or due to deficient skill or knowledge. This five-part series will refute those assumptions, using evidence from surgery claims data, peer reviewed studies and an illustrative case study. With better insight into what errors can and can't be prevented, lessons may be drawn and strategies identified for improving surgical outcomes. Causes of surgical error are grouped into 4 categories: technical skill, professional behavior, cognition, and systems of care. This activity brings many of the aspects of surgical error together in a case study.