Preventing patient harm via adverse event review: An APSA survey regarding the role of morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference.

Berman L, Ottosen M, Renaud E, Hsi-Dickie B, Fecteau A, Skarda D, Goldin A, Rangel S, Tsao K. Preventing patient harm via adverse event review: An APSA survey regarding the role of morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference. J Pediatr Surg. Sep, 2019 [epub Feb 2019]; 54(9):1872-1877.

Morbidity and mortality (M&M) conferences are designed to review adverse events. They are one method by which physicians undergo peer review to evaluate their performance and can allow health systems to identify potential avenues for improving patient safety. A survey of pediatric surgeons found that while the M&M participation was high, few believed the process results in practice changes or preventing future events. M&Ms considered most effective had a structured approach, were data driven with loop closure, emphasized multidisciplinary participation, and served as an educational forum.

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