Accreditation

Taking a second look at overlapping surgeries

Briefings on Accreditation and Quality, March 1, 2018

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New studies show overlapping surgery isn’t as risky (or as time saving) as once thought

A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) made headlines late last year when it proclaimed that overlapping surgeries didn’t increase the risk of postop complications. The claim was backed by several other studies. That said, they all noted that instead of being a time-saving procedure, overlapping surgeries actually took longer than ordinary ones.

The practice of overlapping surgeries came into the public eye in 2016 after the Boston Globe came out with a lengthy exposé into the practice. Many facilities stood up for overlapping surgeries, while patients nationwide said they were against them. There’s been heated debate over whether the practice should be prohibited ever since. 

Whether you permit overlapping surgeries is a conversation that every hospital needs to have. Policies need to be drafted and standards adopted.

So where to begin?

 

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