Operational Risk Management in Dermatologic Procedures

Cutis. 2025 Oct;116(4):124-126. doi: 10.12788/cutis.1281.

Abstract

Operational risk management (ORM) is a structured decision-making process that is widely used in military operations to identify and mitigate risks. Specifically, ORM provides a framework to systematically evaluate potential complications, consider a patient's individual medical history and risk tolerance, and ensure both the surgeon and patient understand the possible outcomes and contingency plans. In this article, we propose incorporating ORM-based techniques into patient counseling, in which potential risks are presented in a clear structured format with options discussed transparently to foster shared decision-making.

MeSH terms

  • Decision Making
  • Dermatologic Surgical Procedures* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Military Personnel
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Management* / methods