A national survey of UK consultant cardiothoracic surgeons found that 58.1% oppose the public release of surgeon-specific mortality data, while 34.1% favor it.
Cross-Sectional (n=264)
UK cardiothoracic surgeons generally oppose public release of individual surgeon mortality data due to concerns over risk-averse behavior, favoring team-based metrics instead.
BACKGROUND: In the United Kingdom, cardiothoracic surgeons have led the outcome reporting revolution seen over the last 20 years. The objective of this survey was to assess cardiothoracic surgeons' opinions on the topic, with the aim of guiding future debate and policy making for all subspecialties. METHODS AND RESULTS: A questionnaire was developed using interviews with experts in the field. In January 2015, the survey was sent out to all consultant cardiothoracic surgeons in the United Kingdom (n=361). Logistic regression, bivariate correlation, and the χ(2) test were used to assess whether there was a relationship between answers and demographic variables. Free-text responses were analyzed using the grounded theory approach. The response rate was 73% (n=264). The majority of respondents (58.1% oppose, 34.1% favor, and 7.8% neither) oppose the public release of surgeon-specific mortality data and associate it with several adverse consequences. These include risk-averse behavior, gaming of data, and misinterpretation of data by the public. Despite this, the majority overwhelmingly supports publication of team-based measures of outcome. The free-text responses suggest that this is because most believe that quality of care is multifactorial and not represented by an individual's mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: There is evident opposition to surgeon-specific mortality data among UK cardiothoracic surgeons who associate this with several unintended consequences. Policy makers should refine their strategy behind publication of surgeon-specific mortality data and possibly consider shift toward team-based results for which there will be the required support. Stakeholder feedback and inclusive strategy should be completed before introducing major initiatives to avoid unforeseen consequences and disagreements.
Jarral et al. (Fri,) conducted a cross-sectional in Opinions on surgeon-specific mortality data (n=264). Survey on public release of surgeon-specific mortality data was evaluated on Opinions on the public release of surgeon-specific mortality data. A national survey of UK consultant cardiothoracic surgeons found that 58.1% oppose the public release of surgeon-specific mortality data, while 34.1% favor it.
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