Implementation of the Ottawa morbidity and mortality model improves the quality of morbidity and mortality rounds.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of implementing the Ottawa morbidity and mortality (M&M) model (OM3) on the perceived quality of M&M rounds.

Methods: This was an observational study that included faculty, house officers, and staff, performed from September 2021 through June 2023, in conjunction with implementation of the OM3. A survey was emailed to participants at the beginning of the study period (PRE), at the end of the first academic year (POST-Y1), and at the end of the second academic year (POST-Y2). During the first year (September 2021 through May 2022), a separate survey to evaluate each individual session of rounds was emailed to participants. Categorical data are described using counts and percentages.

Results: There were 67 participants in the PRE survey, 50 in the POST-Y1 survey, and 70 in the POST-Y2 survey. From PRE to POST-Y1, findings included (1) a 19% (22% PRE to POST-Y2) increase in "agree" responses when asked if M&M rounds had a significant impact on the quality of care they provide on a section/service level, (2) a 25% (13% PRE to POST-Y2) increase in the average percentage of M&M rounds thought to effectively address cognitive issues, and (3) a 25% (20% PRE to POST-Y2) increase in the average percentage of M&M rounds thought to effectively address systemic issues.

Conclusions: The implementation of the OM3 was perceived by respondents to improve patient care at the individual and service levels. Additionally, it more effectively addressed cognitive and systemic issues.

Clinical relevance: The OM3 is a straightforward and impactful M&M model to institute, and its implementation should be considered in other veterinary practices.