Evaluation of POSSUM scoring system in surgical decision making and audits

ABSTRACT

To test the validity of POSSUM scoring system as a surgical decision-making and audit tool by determining the association between actual deaths and POSSUM score predictions in a sample population of patients undergoing abdominal surgical procedures. Descriptive study. Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from October 2007 to November 2008. POSSUM Score was calculated prospectively for all patients admitted to Surgical Ward I, CMH Rawalpindi, and scheduled to undergo laparotomy. Patients with previous history of surgery and day- surgery cases were excluded. Patients were stratified into three risk groups based on POSSUM Score, and 30 patients were picked randomly for the purpose of this study. The difference between observed deaths and the three risk groups was analysed for statistical significance by means of chi square test. A total of 90 patients were included in the study. All were males and above 12 years of age, with mean age 34. A significant association was observed between POSSUM Score and actual deaths [P<0.001]. Actual deaths increased with the rise in POSSUM Score. POSSUM was found to be a reliable scoring system which gives us an idea about mortality rate in general surgery patients with different physiological states. It shows great promise as an objective accessory to the process of making decisions about surgery in [high risk] patients. Also, it could be a valuable tool for use in surgical audits, providing a more accurate comparison between performances of various surgeons/ surgical teams