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Systematic multidisciplinary approach reduced complication risk after surgery for scoliosis
Investigators found implementation of a systematic, quality improvement strategy led to better quality of care and safety for adult patients who underwent surgery for scoliosis.
“System-based improvements that reduce variability and enhance standard work in the care of adult spinal deformity patients can lead to significant improvement in short-term complication rates and enhance the safety of complex spine procedures,” Rajiv Sethi, MD, told Healio.com/Orthopedics.
Sethi and colleagues from the Group Health Research Institute and Virginia Mason Medical Center implemented the Seattle Spine Team Protocol in 2010 to reduce complication risks after complex spine surgery. Investigators retrospectively identified 71 patients who underwent complex spine surgery with fusion of six levels or more prior to the protocol being implemented and 69 patients underwent surgery after the protocol was implemented.
Findings showed that within 30 days after surgery, patients who underwent surgery after the protocol was implemented had a significant reduction in complications vs. the group who had surgery prior to implementation of the protocol. These complications included cardiovascular events, wound infections, perioperative infections and implant failures. Investigators noted the analysis adjusted for both age and Charlson comorbidity score. Fewer deaths were also seen among the patients who underwent surgery after the protocol was implemented vs. those who underwent surgery before the implementation of the protocol. – by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.