PRIDEStar/Trinity EMS mortality and morbidity rounds are a form of quality improvement activity that aims to identify and analyze adverse events, errors, and near misses in the field of emergency medical care. These rounds provide an opportunity for healthcare professionals involved in EMS to review cases, discuss clinical decision-making, identify system issues, and implement changes to improve patient outcomes.
The purpose of mortality and morbidity rounds is to promote a culture of safety and continuous learning within the EMS community. By openly discussing adverse events and errors, healthcare providers can gain insights into the factors contributing to these incidents and develop strategies to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The ultimate goal is to enhance patient safety, improve the quality of care provided by EMS personnel, and reduce preventable harm.
During mortality and morbidity rounds, a multidisciplinary team typically gathers to review specific cases or incidents. This team will include EFRs, EMTs, Paramedics & the Medical Director. Other medical specialists will be asked to participate as needed and necessary.
The participants examine various aspects of the incident, including patient presentation, initial assessment and treatment, communication among team members, decision-making processes, equipment use, transport considerations, and any other relevant factors.
The discussion during mortality and morbidity rounds often focuses on identifying contributing factors or root causes that led to adverse outcomes or near misses. These factors can be categorized into several domains such as human factors (e.g., cognitive biases, communication breakdowns), system issues (e.g., equipment failures, inadequate protocols), environmental factors (e.g., weather conditions), or patient-related factors (e.g., complex medical history). By understanding these underlying causes, healthcare providers can implement targeted interventions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In addition to identifying contributing factors, mortality and morbidity rounds also aim to generate actionable recommendations for improvement. These recommendations may involve changes to protocols, training programs, equipment, communication systems, or other aspects of EMS operations. It is crucial that these recommendations are evidence-based and supported by the best available research and guidelines.
To ensure the effectiveness of mortality and morbidity rounds, it is essential to create a safe and non-punitive environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences and insights. Confidentiality should be maintained, and discussions should focus on system-level issues rather than individual blame. The emphasis should be on learning from mistakes and implementing changes that will prevent similar incidents in the future.
Overall, mortality and morbidity rounds play a vital role in improving patient safety and the quality of care provided by EMS personnel. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and open communication, these rounds help identify areas for improvement, enhance clinical decision-making, and ultimately save lives.
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