Morbidity and mortality conferences in emergency departments: the French National Survey

Eur J Emerg Med. 2013 Oct;20(5):364-6. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e32835ad5a8.

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.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Ambulances* / statistics & numerical data
  • Emergency Service, Hospital* / statistics & numerical data
  • France
  • Hospital Mortality*
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • Medical Audit / statistics & numerical data*
  • Medical Errors / prevention & control*
  • Morbidity*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Management / statistics & numerical data*