Scottish Audit of Surgical Mortality (SASM)
Scottish Audit of Surgical Mortality SASM
The Scottish Audit of Surgical Mortality (SASM) is unique in the United Kingdom. It encompasses nearly all the surgical specialties and all except two eligible Consultant Surgeons and Anaesthetists in Scotland have agreed to participate. SASM identifies all deaths that occur in hospital under the care of a surgeon, whether an operation has taken place or not. However, obstetric and cardiothoracic deaths are reported at a UK wide level and utilise a different process from that of SASM. Over 2000 consultants participate and approximately 4,500 deaths are reviewed per year.
SASM collects its data via an electronic web based portal which was launched on 5th January 2011. The data is submitted by the relevant Surgeon and where appropriate Anaesthetist, Interventional Radiologist and Intensivist.
The data then undergoes a peer review process carried out by virtually every practising clinician within the audited specialties on behalf of their colleagues.
The single greatest achievement of SASM is that routine objective peer review of surgical deaths takes place in Scotland. This unique feat is all the more remarkable as current participation in SASM is entirely voluntary. The success of SASM depends totally on the profession's sense of ownership, which is reflected by the very high compliance rates. This in turn is a testament to the commitment of the surgical and anaesthetic clinicians involved to continuous audit in clinical practice.
Further information on SASM can be found at www.sasm.org.uk
