House staff-led interdisciplinary morbidity and mortality conference promotes systematic improvement.

BACKGROUND: Improvements in patient safety are critical to improving clinical outcomes. We present a resident-led interdisciplinary morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference utilizing postconference task forces to identify unique system issues, classify key contributors to interdisciplinary complications, and implement systems solutions. The conference also served to facilitate resident involvement in quality improvement projects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Members of the UNC Housestaff Council designed and implemented a hospital-wide M&M conference. Cases involving two or more service lines and resulting from systematic failures were selected for presentation by an interdisciplinary group of residents involved in the patient's care. Postconference task forces addressed problems and developed initiatives to improve care. RESULTS: Of the 15 cases presented, 60% were attributable to an error in judgment, 26% to an error in diagnosis, and 13% to an error in technique. Communication (67%), coordination/care utilization (47%), poor process/workflow (40%), and inadequate training (33%) were the main associated contributing factors. Poor communication contributed to all complications resulting from an error in judgment. Inadequate training and poor workflow were the most common contributing factors with an error in technique. Poor utilization of care and inadequate processes were most common with an error in diagnosis. Postconference task forces identified system-based improvement projects in 73% (11 of 15) of cases with 82% (9 of 11) of projects successfully implemented or in process. CONCLUSIONS: House staff-led interdisciplinary M&M conference utilizing postconference task forces is an ideal setting to identify unique system issues and implement system-based improvement strategies.

Successful long-term weight loss among participants with diabetes receiving an intervention promoting an adapted Mediterranean-style dietary pattern: the Heart Healthy Lenoir Project.

OBJECTIVE: To examine weight change by diabetes status among participants receiving a Mediterranean-style diet, physical activity, and weight loss intervention adapted for delivery in the southeastern USA, where rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are disproportionately high. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The intervention included: Phase I (months 1-6), an individually tailored intervention promoting a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern and increased walking; Phase II (months 7-12), option of a 16-week weight loss intervention for those with BMI≥25 kg/m2 offered as 16 weekly group sessions or 5 group sessions and 10 phone calls, or a lifestyle maintenance intervention; and Phase III (months 13-24), weight loss maintenance intervention for those losing ≥8 pounds with all others receiving a lifestyle maintenance intervention. Weight change was assessed at 6, 12, and 24-month follow-up. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics (n=339): mean age 56, 77% female, 65% African-American, 124 (37%) with diabetes; mean weight 103 kg for those with diabetes and 95 kg for those without. Among participants with diabetes, average weight change was -1.2 kg (95% CI -2.1 to -0.4) at 6 months (n=92), -1.5 kg (95% CI -2.9 to -0.2) at 12 months (n=96), and -3.7 kg (95% CI -5.2 to -2.1) at 24 months (n=93). Among those without diabetes, weight change was -0.4 kg (95% CI -1.4 to 0.6) at 24 months (n=154). CONCLUSIONS: Participants with diabetes experienced sustained weight loss at 24-month follow-up. High-risk US populations with diabetes may experience clinically important weight loss from this type of lifestyle intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01433484.