A 12-variable risk adjustment model for general surgical audit predicted postoperative morbidity with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.86.
Observational
A newly developed 12-variable risk adjustment model for general surgical audit demonstrated high predictive power (AUC 0.86) for postoperative morbidity.
Effect estimate: AUC 0.86
BACKGROUND: Although currently available surgical scoring systems have good outcome predictive power, their use is often limited by complexity and their non-dynamic nature. The aim of this study was to develop and test a risk adjustment for general surgical audit which is both simple and dynamic, while preserving a high predictive power for surgical morbidity. METHODS: Twelve easily measured, well defined prognostic variables for morbidity were identified from the Otago Surgical Audit data collection form and stratified into suitable categories. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding between factors, identifying risk factors with the strongest prognostic value for the outcome of severe and intermediate complications. The resulting model was tested by back-validation and validation. RESULTS: The derived risk adjustment included all 12 variables. Adjusted odds ratios for all variables were markedly lower than unadjusted values. After logistic regression, the strongest predictors of postoperative morbidity were duration of operation, operation category, inpatient status and organ system in which the procedure was carried out. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.86. CONCLUSION: A simple dynamic model for surgical morbidity has been developed which is comparable to previously published surgical scoring systems in terms of predictive power. This risk adjustment tool can be incorporated into the existing audit system, enabling comparison of surgical unit performance.
Pillai et al. (Wed,) conducted a observational in General surgical patients. Risk adjustment model was evaluated on Severe and intermediate complications (postoperative morbidity) (AUC 0.86). A 12-variable risk adjustment model for general surgical audit predicted postoperative morbidity with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.86.