SSOD: Surgeon opinions of a new mandatory health policy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Publication of Surgeon-Specific Outcome Data (SSOD): Surgeons' opinions of a new mandatory health policy. A cross sectional survey and data extraction study
IRAS ID
190033
Contact name
Marc Williams
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Consultant surgeons in the UK have been required to submit the results of certain operations since 2012. The introduction of SSOD has divided opinion. Proponents suggest that it allows transparency and allows the system to highlight poorly performing surgeons. However, concerns exist that SSOD may cause risk-averse behaviour with some surgeons choosing not take on higher risk cases.
The majority of literature that looks at this issue mainly consists of editorials. Although the policy has been implemented since 2012, to date there has been no qualitative data assessing the opinions of surgeons towards the policy. By considering the opinions of surgeons who are involved in the data submission process we suggest that the policy may be refined to the benefit of surgeons and patients.
A purposeful sample of approximately 15-20 consultant surgeons practicing in the UK will be invited to interview to assess their experience and opinion of the new policy. The study will be conducted at up to 6 other UK hospitals in addition to the principal site (Southmead Hospital). Consultants will initially be contacted by email.
Consultant surgeons will be invited to interview. The interview will is expected to last up to 30-40 minutes. It is hoped that all consultants will be interviewed over a 3 month period. Interviews will then be transcribed and analysed to identify key themes. By identifying key themes we aim to highlight weaknesses of the policy so that it may be improved.REC name
N/A
REC reference
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