Analysis of morbidity and mortality conferences in an emergency department

Aims: A review of morbidity and mortality (RMM) aims to analyze retrospectively and collectively anonymized cases marked by the occurrence of death or complications, and to improve the quality of care. Our objective was to describe and analyze the main dysfunctions and remedial proposals resulting from the analysis of RMM records within a center of emergency medicine. Procedure: Retrospective analysis of RMM cases of two adult emergency departments and one emergency medical service (Samu) over a year was conducted. Each case was classified according to the encountered problems and proposed remedial recommendations. Results: Eighteen RMMs were performed: eight in emergency departments, nine in Samu and one in joint meeting called center meeting. Fifty-five cases were analyzed with an average attendance of 22 participants per meeting. The most frequent theme was trauma for emergency departments and cardiology for Samu. Forty percent of cases (N = 27) were consecutive to diagnostic problems; 15 cases (22%) showed a wrong strategic choices; communication problems were present in 9 cases. All records have resulted in remedial proposals: trainings, development of procedures or courses of care. Conclusion: The RMM within our center led to numerous remedial proposals ending up to the improvement of emergency care for our patients. Our study also highlights the interest of RMM within a center for the complete analysis of the patient circuit from the call to the ambulance to admission in an emergency department.