Resource Library-Mortality Review Collaborative: A Comprehensive Approach to Reviewing Mortalities

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Roxanne Mike of Stanford Healthcare describes a comprehensive, real-time Mortality Review Committee (MRC) launched after observed mortality exceeded targets. The MRC aimed to review 100% of deaths within five days, piloting neurology, general surgery, medicine, and ICU. A standardized mortality review form captured issues in diagnosis/treatment delays, communication, rescue opportunities, and end-of-life/hospice barriers; data were analyzed in MIDAS and escalated as needed to peer review, nursing, or patient safety. Major findings centered on limited hospice capacity and insufficient pre-admission end-of-life planning. Lessons included early clinician education, reminder emails, multidisciplinary stakeholder involvement, and using reviews to drive system improvements and appropriate referrals.

Asset Caption

Speaker: Roxanne R. Hyke, RN, BS, MSN, CPHQ

Tool: Mortality Review Tool

Problem:
The objective of the mortality review is to complete a multidisciplinary mortality reviews within 5 days of discharge.

Tool Selection:
The electronic mortality review tool was efficient for providers to utilize and provided the comprehensive information needed to identify potential system issues.

Usage:
When a mortality was identified, the form was electronically sent to each provider (attending/resident/nurse) to complete and sent back to Quality team to review and discuss in committee for potential system issues

Results:
All provider comments were reviewed in a multidisciplinary committee and referred to appropriate department as issues were identified.

Meta Tag

Competency Tag QRA3

Competency Tag Description Facilitate physician and clinical provider performance review activities.

Domain Tag Quality Review and Accountability

Keywords

Mortality Review Committee (MRC)

real-time mortality review

Stanford Health Care

end-of-life planning and hospice capacity

patient safety and quality improvement