Applying international organization for standards 9001 to create an effective surgical quality committee
Recommended Citation
Slakey DP, George JS, Anderson E, Willeumier D, Guglielmi K. Applying international organization for standards 9001 to create an effective surgical quality committee. Am J Surg. 2021;221(3):598-601. doi:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.11.014
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Efforts to improve surgical safety are limited by several factors and no consensus exists regarding the most effective way to improve surgical quality. The use of ISO 9001 quality standards within healthcare is recognized but has not been widely applied for improving surgical outcomes.
METHODS: A surgical quality committee was created using ISO 9001:2015 standards. Quality objectives were assessed to understand how any suggested changes will be impacted due to risks and opportunities inherent in the system.
RESULTS: The initial quality focus was on surgical site infections in 5 services. Change in surgical infection ratio from 2018 to 2019 showed significant improvement: coronary bypass 1.288 vs. 0.901; Colon 1.359 vs. 0.589; Hysterectomy 2.119 vs. 1.022; Knee 1.391 vs. 0.306; Hip 0 vs. 0.302.
CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the first studies using ISO 9001 to improve surgical quality. The results indicate both acceptance and success of applying continual improvement strategies.
Document Type
Article
PubMed ID
33189310
Affiliations
Department of Surgery, CMC, Advocate Aurora Health