A three-dimensional model of error and safety in surgical health care microsystems. Rationale, development and initial testing
2011

Three-Dimensional Model of Safety in Surgical Healthcare

Sample size: 12 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Peter McCulloch, Ken Catchpole

Primary Institution: Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford

Hypothesis

Can a new model based on three dimensions improve the analysis of safety in surgical healthcare systems?

Conclusion

The 3D model could help estimate risk in surgical microsystems if applied to a large dataset.

Supporting Evidence

  • The model categorizes incidents based on three dimensions: technology, system, and culture.
  • Analysis of 12 surgical incidents showed that all could be explained using the model.
  • The model predicts that addressing all three dimensions will reduce harm incidents.

Takeaway

This study created a simple model to understand safety in surgery by looking at technology, systems, and culture.

Methodology

The model was developed through analysis of real surgical incidents and observational data.

Potential Biases

Potential bias from limited testing and reliance on literature analysis.

Limitations

The model requires further validation and does not address higher-level influences on safety.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2482-11-23

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