title: Complication data collection: a prospective, standardised, coded system for otolaryngology or other branches of surgery.
abstract: This system for interdepartmental collection of data on surgical complications should, though designed for otolaryngology, be applicable to any surgical specialty. The system under which data are collected prospectively on a coded proforma has been shown to document considerably higher complication rates than retrospective, uncoded data collection and, as consultants are unlikely to report non-existent complications, we assume that the higher rates are more valid. The system also provides a list of factors which must be standardised before data on complication rates from different units can usefully be pooled or comparisons made between them.
authors.affiliation: Comparative Audit Service, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fowler
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Walmsley
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Topham
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003253:Consultants; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D004282:Documentation / Q000379:methods; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies