CLINICAL AUDIT OF ANESTHESIA PRACTICE AND ADVERSE PERIOPERATIVE EVENTS AT PARKLAND-MEMORIAL-HOSPITAL, DALLAS, TEXAS

A study was undertaken to compare the quantity and nature of adverse e vent data collected during two equivalent time periods in 1990-1991 an d 1991-1992 respectively. During the first period adverse event data w ere collected and reviewed sporadically, critical incidents were not s pecifically identified and no formal mechanism for regular presentatio n of these data existed. During the second period a new and detailed d ata collection form was introduced. The resulting data were analysed a nd presented to trainee and senior anaesthetists during formal clinica l education sessions. Adverse incident reporting was significantly inc reased during the later period. Unsafe clinical practices and common e rrors were also more easily identified.