Abstract
This study sought to determine the prevalence and characteristics of morbidity and mortality conferences (M&MCs) in U.S. internal medicine training programs. Two hundred ninety-five of 416 (71%) surveys were returned. Ninety percent of programs have an M&MC. Most meet monthly, have a designated leader, and entail case discussions of 3 or fewer patients. Cases are selected on the basis of unexpected bad outcomes, teaching value, and to a lesser extent, suspected medical error. Two thirds of the sites use M&MCs to meet administrative requirements for quality assurance. M&MC, while prevalent in internal medicine training programs, has a heterogeneity of focus. Hence, the goals and role of the conference, as judged by this survey, do not appear to be well defined and may warrant further clarification.
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The name morbidity and mortality conference (M&MC), is universally familiar to physicians, yet a precise definition, format, or goals for this conference do not exist.
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Orlander, J.D., Fincke, B.G. Morbidity and mortality conference. J GEN INTERN MED 18, 656–658 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.2003.20824.x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.2003.20824.x