Qamar Hafeez Kiani, Mohammad Hanif, Mohammad Mussadiq Khan.
Surgical audit using Possum scoring system.
J Surg Pak Jan ;9(2):15-20.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study was, to describe the efficacy of a simple scoring system (possum) for surgical. audit system. DESIGN: This was a descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Surgical unit-I, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan from April, 2001 to October, 2001. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 500 cases were studied. The physiological score was calculated at the time of admission whereas operative severity score at the time of discharge. By using logistic regression analysis the mortality and morbidity rates were predicted and the outcome measured. The 0: E ratio and sensitivity and specificity calculated. Significance assessed by Chi square analysis. RESULTS: The scoring system studied, provided the assessments for mortality and morbidity, which did not significantly differ from observed rates (p < 0.001). The POSSUM score provided a reasonably effective means of achieving comparison among the two-thirds of patients who underwent surgical procedure. All the data required was readily available from the patient`s routine assessment, observations and investigations in all clinical settings. CONCLUSION: POSSUM provides a good assessment of the risk of mortality and morbidity in general surgical patients. This score can be effectively applied in all surgical setups in Pakistan. We stress that POSSUM should be used as an adjunct to surgical audit.

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