The effect of the national confidential enquiry into perioperative deaths on clinical practice - Report of a postal survey of a sample of consultant anaesthetists

A postal survey was performed to investigate whether the National Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Deaths (NCEPOD) had influenced clinical practice. A short questionnaire was sent to 100 consultant anaesthetists from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There was a 72% response rate. NCEPOD had influenced personal clinical practice in 74% of respondents, the inception of guidelines and protocols in 75% and had helped in the improvement of essential services, staff or equipment in 80%. Some individuals had tried and failed to establish improvements. Nearly 80% perceived current threats to standards of care that NCEPOD might investigate in the future. The replies indicated that NCEPOD is perceived by clinicians as influencing clinical practice and standards of care.