Recommended Citation
Brandt M, Sami A, Zaremba N, et al. Iterative Process for Improving Compliance With Synoptic Operative Reports in a Large Healthcare System. Presented at Scientific Day; May 21, 2025; Park Ridge, IL.
Abstract
Background/Significance:
The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer implemented standards for synoptic operative reports, based on evidence-based guidelines, that highlight techniques critical to achieving optimal outcomes. Despite this standard, institutions struggle with compliance. Descriptions of successes would be instructional for the community. Our objective was to assess compliance with synoptic reporting across a large multi-state hospital system and describe our process of improvement.
Purpose:
To describe our experience of increasing compliance for an accepted operative report standard within a large, multi-institutional healthcare system.
Methods:
We developed a standardized "smart-phrase" to be used system-wide. This phrase populates the synoptic table into an operative report. Training for surgeons was provided at each discipline’s cancer conferences. An iterative approach was employed, with monthly compliance reports sent to core leaders in surgical oncology. Non-compliant surgeons received targeted follow-up and education via email.
Results:
Initial compliance with synoptic reporting was sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNBx): 96% (107/112), axillary lymph node dissection (ALND): 75% (9/12), wide excision melanoma (WLE): 54% (7/13) and colon resection: 51% (18/35). Only SLNBx met the >=80% compliance. At nine months, compliance improved in all procedures: SLNBx: 96% (129/135), ALND: 91% (10/11), WLE 86% (12/14), Colon Resection: 81% (22/27).
Conclusion:
Monthly quality reports and targeted follow-ups improved compliance for three procedures. Challenges persist in refining accurate automatic reports and the diversity and quantity of surgical subspecialty providers within a large multi-institutional healthcare organization. Further interventions are planned for specific service lines to address these barriers.
Presentation Notes
Presented at Scientific Day; May 21, 2025; Park Ridge, IL.
Full Text of Presentation
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Document Type
Poster
Open Access
Available to all.
Iterative Process for Improving Compliance With Synoptic Operative Reports in a Large Healthcare System
Background/Significance:
The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer implemented standards for synoptic operative reports, based on evidence-based guidelines, that highlight techniques critical to achieving optimal outcomes. Despite this standard, institutions struggle with compliance. Descriptions of successes would be instructional for the community. Our objective was to assess compliance with synoptic reporting across a large multi-state hospital system and describe our process of improvement.
Purpose:
To describe our experience of increasing compliance for an accepted operative report standard within a large, multi-institutional healthcare system.
Methods:
We developed a standardized "smart-phrase" to be used system-wide. This phrase populates the synoptic table into an operative report. Training for surgeons was provided at each discipline’s cancer conferences. An iterative approach was employed, with monthly compliance reports sent to core leaders in surgical oncology. Non-compliant surgeons received targeted follow-up and education via email.
Results:
Initial compliance with synoptic reporting was sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNBx): 96% (107/112), axillary lymph node dissection (ALND): 75% (9/12), wide excision melanoma (WLE): 54% (7/13) and colon resection: 51% (18/35). Only SLNBx met the >=80% compliance. At nine months, compliance improved in all procedures: SLNBx: 96% (129/135), ALND: 91% (10/11), WLE 86% (12/14), Colon Resection: 81% (22/27).
Conclusion:
Monthly quality reports and targeted follow-ups improved compliance for three procedures. Challenges persist in refining accurate automatic reports and the diversity and quantity of surgical subspecialty providers within a large multi-institutional healthcare organization. Further interventions are planned for specific service lines to address these barriers.
Affiliations
Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Aurora UW Medical Group