Psychiatry Morbidity and Mortality Rounds: Implementation and Impact

Abstract

Objective

This study assessed the implementation of psychiatry morbidity and mortality rounds (M&Ms) on the clinical and educational practice in a children’s hospital.

Methods

Attendees to monthly M&Ms between July 2005 and May 2007 included staff and trainees from psychiatry, psychology, nursing, and social work. Cases were selected based on a priori risk criteria and each rated on the hospital’s four-level risk management scale. M&Ms were reviewed for recurrent patterns that contributed to adverse patient care. Attendees completed a survey at the end of each year, evaluating the educational value of the rounds.

Results

Possible opportunities for patient care improvement were found in 80% of the cases and fell into four overlapping areas: diagnostic/formulation errors, communication problems, system-based problems, and class/culture misunderstandings. Identifying these problems led to corrective actions and positive changes in patient care.

Conclusion

M&Ms appear to be a potentially productive venue for self-appraisal and case review to aid psychiatry programs in patient safety efforts and clinician education.