Cost Effectiveness of Trauma Quality Assurance Audit Filters.
Publication/Presentation Date
6-1-1990
Abstract
The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACSCOT) has published recommended minimal audit filters for trauma quality assurance. In this study ten filters were assessed through variable sample sizes over a 1-year period for cost and efficiency. Each filtered case was screened by trauma nurse coordinators. The trauma director reviewed possible deviations from standard and presented cases at peer review conferences for consensus on problem identification. While several filters had reasonable yield, most filters had minimal or no yield. Ten de novo problems were identified at a cost of +1,000 per de novo problem. Six filters were modified based on common reasons for overfiltration, resulting in a substantial reduction in filtration rate without losing problem identification. We conclude that ACSCOT audit filters 1 (unexpected deaths), 4 (ICU LOS greater than twice the average), 5 (trauma surgeon response), and 9 (major surgery greater than 24 hours) have a reasonable yield. Filters 2, 3, 7, 8, 11, and 12 have limited value to an established suburban trauma center and are not cost effective. Modifications of these filters can reduce cost without obvious impact on effectiveness. Specific audit filters recommended for future study are presented.
Volume
30
Issue
6
First Page
724
Last Page
727
ISSN
0022-5282
Published In/Presented At
Rhodes, M., Sacco, W., Smith, S., & Boorse, D. (1990). Cost effectiveness of trauma quality assurance audit filters. The Journal Of Trauma, 30(6), 724-727.
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing | Other Medical Specialties | Surgery | Trauma
PubMedID
2112614
Department(s)
Department of Surgery, Department of Surgery Faculty, Patient Care Services / Nursing, Patient Care Services / Nursing Faculty
Document Type
Article